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Postdoctoral Research Associate, Neuroscience

The University Of Arizona

Job Location:

Tucson, AZ - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 29 September 2026 (26 days ago)

Application Deadline: 27 December 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate Neuroscience
Posting Number	req27102
Department	Neuroscience
Department Website Link	Campus
Address	Tucson AZ USA
Position Highlights	The Maurer laboratory at the University of Arizona is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to develop theoretical and computational approaches for understanding how biological neural networks organize activity through nonlinear dynamics feedback and constraint. A central question is how inhibitory circuitry reshapes the set of states and transitions available to a recurrent network: not simply by reducing excitation but by dynamically restricting routing and stabilizing trajectories through neural state space. We are interested in whether relatively low-dimensional inhibitory or feedback control signals can reorganize high-dimensional activity alter attractor structure and metastability regulate transitions among network states and make flexible computation possible in circuits that would otherwise be unstable or chaotic. The position is intentionally interdisciplinary. We welcome candidates from control theory nonlinear dynamical systems applied mathematics electrical or biomedical engineering physics computational science and related quantitative fields. Prior neuroscience experience is not required. The researcher will work closely with experimental neuroscientists and have access to rich electrophysiological datasets including neuronal spiking local field potentials EEG behavior and circuit perturbations. The goal is not merely to fit models to neural data but to develop mechanistic frameworks that generate discriminating predictions and can be tested against experimental interventions. The Department of Neuroscience at the University of Arizona advances education and research across the interdisciplinary field of neuroscience encompassing areas such as nervous system development and physiology behavior genetics pharmacology computational modeling and neurological and psychiatric diseases. Faculty contribute to a collaborative neuroscience community across the University and actively engage in the interdisciplinary graduate program in Neuroscience and the undergraduate major in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science. OutstandingUA benefits includehealth dental visionand life insurance; paid vacation sick leave and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more! The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For moreinformation about working at the University of Arizona and relocationsservices please visit
Duties & Responsibilities	Develop mathematicalcomputational and/or control-theoretic models of recurrent neural dynamicswith particular emphasis on how inhibition and feedback constrain reachablenetwork states and transitions. Analyze large-scale electrophysiological and behavioral datasets and connectmodel predictions to neuronal spiking population activity local fieldpotentials EEG and behavior. Use experimental perturbations to distinguish among competing mechanisticmodels and identify the variables or constraints that govern networkorganization. Investigate stability metastability attractor structure controllabilitystate transitions system identification and reduced-order descriptions ofneural activity. Collaborate closely with experimental neuroscientists to design analyses andexperiments that provide strong tests of theoretical predictions. Present findings at scientific meetings prepare manuscripts forpeer-reviewed publication and contribute to an interdisciplinary researchenvironment. Knowledge Skills and Abilities Strong quantitative reasoning and the ability to formulate biological questionsas tractable mathematical or computational problems. Knowledge of nonlinear dynamical systems control theory network dynamicsstate-space methods system identification stochastic processes or relatedquantitative approaches. Ability to develop simulate and critically evaluate mechanistic modelsrather than relying solely on descriptive data analysis. Scientific programming ability in Python MATLAB Julia C/C or acomparable environment. Ability to work independently while communicating effectively acrossdisciplinary boundaries. Strong written and oral scientific communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications	PhDor equivalent doctoral degree in engineering applied mathematics physicscomputational neuroscience computer science quantitative biology or arelated quantitative discipline by the start date. Demonstrated research experience in mathematical modeling computationalanalysis dynamical systems control or a closely related area. Evidence of the ability to conduct rigorous independent research.
Preferred Qualifications	Experience with nonlinear dynamics. Experience with control theory and feedback systems. Experience with bifurcation or stability analysis. Experience with attractor and metastable dynamics. Experience with controllability and observability. Experience with state-space modeling. Experience with system identification. Experience with reduced-order modeling. Experience with recurrent reservoir echo-state liquid-state or chaotic neural networks. Experience with network dynamics. Experience with time-series analysis. Experience with stochastic processes. Experience with computational modeling of biological systems. Experience with analysis of electrophysiological data. Experience translating theoretical models into experimentally testable predictions.
FLSA	Exempt
Full Time/Part Time	Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week	40
Job FTE	1.0
Work Calendar	Fiscal
Job Category	Research
Benefits Eligible	Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay	NIH salary guidelines Depends on Experience.
Compensation Type	salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Type of criminal background check required:	Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies	1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates	Andrew Drew Maurer Associate Professor Neuroscience
Open Date	9/22/2026
Open Until Filled	Yes
Documents Needed to Apply	Curriculum Vitae (CV) Cover Letter and One Additional Document
Special Instructions to Applicant	Please include Statement of Research Interest in the additional document spot.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report	In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act) each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the Universitys disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies procedures and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems policies and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at