Scientist I - Whole-Cortex Modeling of Sensory Entrainment

Scientist I– Whole-Cortex Modeling of Sensory Entrainment – Modeling and Theory - MindScope

The mission of the Allen Institute is to unlock the complexities of bioscience and advance our knowledge to improve human health. Using an open science, multi-scale, team-oriented approach, the Allen Institute focuses on accelerating foundational research, developing standards and models, and cultivating new ideas to make a broad, transformational impact on science.

The MindScope program seeks to understand the transformations, sometimes called computations, in coding and decoding that lead from photons to behavior and conscious experience by observing, perturbing, and modeling the physical transformations of signals in the cortical-thalamic visual system within a few perception-action cycles.

We are seeking a Scientist to join the BRAIN Initiative-sponsored project dedicated to understanding the Cell Type and Circuit Mechanisms of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation by Sensory Entrainment.

The Scientist will develop models of the whole mouse cortex and use them to simulate the entrainment of neuronal populations by periodic sensory stimulation at different frequencies. The project will leverage our expertise in modeling and unique data on cortex composition and connectivity at the Allen Institute, as well as experimental data from our collaborators at the group of Dr. Li-Huei Tsai at MIT.

The main goal is to use experiments and modeling to understand the cell type and circuit mechanisms underlying the cortex-wide responses to periodic sensory stimulation.

Relevant resources and publications:

• https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/models/mv1-all-layers
• https://portal.brain-map.org/explore/connectivity
• Iaccarino et al., Nature (2016); Adaikkan et al., Neuron (2019); Martorell et al., Cell (2019)

The Allen Institute believes that team science significantly benefits from the participation of diverse voices, experiences and backgrounds. High-quality science can only be produced when it includes different perspectives. We are committed to increasing diversity across every team and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply for this role.

Essential Functions

• Construct and simulate biologically realistic models of the whole mouse cortex using multimodal experimental data
• Collaborate with the MIT partners to investigate the mechanisms underlying brain responses to periodic sensory stimulation
• Publish/present findings in peer-reviewed journals/scientific conferences and freely share models and results with the community

Note: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• PhD degree in Neuroscience, Physics, Applied Mathematics, or related fields; or equivalent combination of degree and experience
• Confirmed publication record

Preferred Education and Experience

• Experience in computational neuroscience and/or systems neuroscience is preferred
• Strong background in experimental systems neuroscience, receptive to computational work
• Experience with scientific programming (e.g., in Python) and sharing/collaborative development of software (e.g., GitHub)
• Proven record of scientific excellence and independent thinking

Physical Demands

• Fine motor movements in fingers/hands to operate computers and other office equipment

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This role is currently able to work remotely due to COVID-19 and our focus on employee safety. We are a Washington State employer, and remote work must be performed in Washington State. We continue to evaluate the safest options for our employees. As restrictions are lifted in relation to COVID-19, this role will return to work onsite

Additional Comments

• **Please note, this opportunity offers relocation assistance**
• **Please note, this opportunity offers work visa sponsorship**

It is the policy of the Allen Institute to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Allen Institute will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.