Postdoctoral Scholar MazzucatoMurray Labs

Department: Institute of Neuroscience
Rank: Postdoctoral Scholar
Annual Basis: 12 Month

Review of Applications Begins

December 1 2024; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please apply here: should include a CV two-page statement of research interests a one-page DEI statement (guidelines: and contact information for three letters of reference.

Department Summary

The Institute of Neuroscience (ION) is a group of biologists psychologists and human physiologists at the University of Oregon that has pooled its expertise to tackle fundamental questions in neuroscience questions such as How do neural stem cells choose between self-renewal and differentiation What mechanisms generate the large diversity of neurons within the brain How do these neurons wire up into functional circuits How do neural circuits produce behavior

These questions are being explored at all levels of organization from the relatively simple nervous systems of Drosophila C. elegans and zebrafish to the more complex networks in mice owls and humans.

ION boasts a highly collaborative faculty with expertise in genetics development electrophysiology optogenetics and functional MRI. As a result students enrolled in our PhD program come away with the broad conceptual and technical skills necessary to run an independent neuroscience research lab or pursue many other related career paths. Our state-of-the-art facilities and excellent support staff allow ION members to progress rapidly by making exploratory or pilot experiments accessible.

Position Summary

Postdoc positions are available for researchers with strong quantitative backgrounds at the University of Oregons NeuroAI Center ( in the Murray and Mazzucato our research we seek to uncover the principles of how the brain performs computations related to sensory perception decision making and motor control. While previous experience in computational neuroscience and machine learning are desirable applicants from other quantitative fields (e.g. math physics statistics computer science) who are eager to learn about neuroscience are highly encouraged to apply as well.

Some of the scientific questions that motivate our work are How do different regions of the brain interact to learn new motor skills What are the neural mechanisms underlying optimal performance in complex cognitive tasks What are the principles that enable brains and artificial agents to learn efficiently from experience while minimizing forgetting How can neural circuits generate the complex dynamics enabling naturalistic animal behavior Our labs aim at building mechanistic models of brain function grounded in a combination of theoretical approaches neural network-based simulations and statistical analysis of experimental data. The candidate will have the opportunity to collaborate with a large network of experimental collaborators at University of Oregon and at other institutions with expertise in sensory processing (visual auditory and olfactory) motor control naturalistic behavior neural engineering and brain-computer interfaces.

The Oregon NeuroAI Center is part of the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon () a major hub for systems and theoretical neuroscience research. The successful candidate will also join our International Network for Bio-Inspired Computing () a worldwide consortium of NeuroAI groups that provides trainees with an extended network for collaboration including trainee exchanges workshops and schools. The University of Oregon is located in Eugene Oregon a vibrant college town in the Pacific Northwest with ample cultural offerings and phenomenal access to outdoor recreation.

We offer a competitive salary commensurate with the candidates experience and remote work arrangements may be considered. Our Institute strongly advocates for inclusivity in science and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in a quantitative field including physics neuroscience mathematics statistics computer science or related fields.
Strong quantitative background including at least some coding experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in computational neuroscience and machine learning

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees including health insurance retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits visit University of Oregon is an equal opportunity affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process please contact us at or .

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity gender expression pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions) age physical or mental disability genetic information (including family medical history) ancestry familial status citizenship service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law) veteran status expunged juvenile record and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs activities and employment practices as required by Title IX other applicable laws and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance. Contact information related policies and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at