Post-Doctoral Associate

Post-doctoral Associate Position

Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota

The laboratory of Cheryl Olman at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, invites applications
for a Post-doctoral Associate position beginning as early as June 1, 2025. Please apply by May
2nd, 2025, for full consideration.

We are seeking scholars specializing in dynamical systems modeling of neuronal networks for
work on a BRAIN Initiative-funded R01 in collaboration with Gordon Smith at the University of
Minnesota and Audrey Sederberg at Georgia Tech. This project seeks to elucidate the neuronal
mechanisms of contextual modulation in primary visual cortex, developing a model that can
eventually be used to simulate perceptual behavioral judgments and human fMRI and M/EEG data,
shedding light on how changes in circuit structure result in aberrant perception in mental disorders.
The successful candidate will work with a team of theorists and experimentalists to develop a
computational framework that is based on the responses of specific inhibitory neuronal
sub-populations (e.g., parvalbumin- vs. somatostatin-containing interneurons) measured via
2-photon imaging in the ferret. The end goal of our work is to test a model of excitatory-inhibitory
interactions against data collected in an animal model with columnar architecture in primary visual
cortex, thereby maximizing the likelihood that the model accurately simulates neuronal interactions
in human visual cortex. Successful candidates should also demonstrate in their application
materials and CV an excellence (or evidence of potential excellence) in collaborating with peers
and junior scientists with a broad range of perspectives.

This 100%-time appointment will be no less than 3 months in duration, with the possibility of an
extension of up to one year from the initial start date, depending on funding. The salary will
follow NIH guidance for post-docs (commensurate with years of experience) and will be prorated
based on a 12-month salary. The hiring department will be Psychology, although the
collaborative work spans laboratories in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Biomedical
Engineering.

Job duties include:

Design, implement, and evaluate computational models that assimilate 2-photon data (60%)

• Use a computer programming language to create novel neural network
  simulations (models) that include realistic simulations of different connectivity
  patterns for different inhibitory neuronal subtypes
• Compare different possible modeling tools and frameworks to determine which
  achieves the best balance of computational efficiency, ability to do large scale
  simulations, and agreement with novel as well as published data
• Meet regularly with the experimentalists to understand and help process
  2-photon data
• Prepare group presentations to teach team members how neural network
  simulations work

Author, co-author, and otherwise collaborate on reports, conference papers and journal
articles. (25%)

• Communicate with PIs about model development on a weekly basis
• Travel, typically once a year, to present results at conferences
• Generate first-author publications in peer-reviewed journals reporting novel
  model elements
• Document and share open-source code elements once published

Work, with the support of faculty mentors, on career development activities. (15%)

• Biannual meetings will set career development goals that might include grant
  writing, workshop and conference attendance, and training opportunities
• The supervisors will actively support the post-doctoral associate in building a
  professional network and independent research ideas to support the next stage
  of their career.

Please direct questions about the position to Cheryl Olman, caolman@umn.edu.

Required qualifications:

• PhD in Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Neuroscience or related
  field.
• Research experience in computational neuroscience.
• Research experience in experimental neuroscience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Fluency in the Python programming language.
• Research experience studying the separate roles of different types of inhibitory neurons
  and/or neural computations at different cortical depths

About the Department of Psychology

The Department of Psychology is one of the largest departments within the College of Liberal Arts and is a highly ranked department nationally. Currently, the department has 50 core faculty, 70+ staff, 130 graduate students, and it supports the largest number of undergraduate majors of any academic program on the UMN Twin Cities campus. Additionally, the department has $50 million or more in active research funding at any given time (the majority from NIH), spread across 70 or more projects. In its 100 plus year history, the Department of Psychology has been marked by distinction and excellence. For additional information, please view our website: psych.umn.edu.

About the College of Liberal Arts

Home to the arts, social sciences and humanities disciplines and programs, the College of Liberal Arts is the largest college in the University of Minnesota and comprises 31 academic departments, and over 20 interdisciplinary research centers and administrative/support units. CLA has over 1,300 faculty and staff spanning research, teaching, advising, outreach, and administrative functions. CLA units reside in over twenty buildings on the East Bank and West Bank of the Twin Cities campus. CLA enrolls nearly 13,000 undergraduate students, over 40% of the undergraduate enrollment on the Twin Cities campus, 1,400 graduate students, and has an annual all-funds budget of $290 million.

CLA is a destination for curious, compassionate individuals who are committed to making our increasingly interdependent and diverse global community work for everyone. That foundational commitment begins in our CLA Constitution. CLA is committed to increasing enrollment of underrepresented and under-resourced students, diversifying our faculty across all disciplines, recruiting, and retaining a diverse staff, and promoting the expression and exploration of diverse perspectives and viewpoints-so that we all gain the background knowledge and analytical skills we need to understand and respect differences.

Pay Range: $61008 - $74088; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Benefits for Postdoctoral Candidates website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training
• Medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have an
opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach additional required
materials related to your candidacy, including:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• A 500 word research statement
• One or more samples of written work

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

Review of applications will begin on May 2nd, 2025 and continue until the position is filled. In
addition to the material submitted electronically, applicants are asked to arrange for two letters
of recommendation to be sent directly to Cheryl Olman at caolman@umn.edu.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).