Postdoctoral Scientist Schulze Lab

About the role:

We are seeking a PostdoctoralScientistwith hybridexpertisespanning systems neuroscience computer-vision pose-tracking behavioral ML and VR technology to join the Schulze this role you will integrate custom hardware and software with computational analysis pipelines to probe the neural circuits underlying collective behavior and social cognition. To design and apply your own virtual reality paradigms you will be working closely with our labs VR specialist and collaborate across the team to investigate the rich naturalistic behavior we study in Danionella. Further you will use multi-animal tracking and behavioral classification to study latent structures and create brain-behavior maps.

This is an excellent opportunity for a scientifically driven researcher who iscomfortable tinkeringand who is motivated to advance the understanding of how individuality sex differences and stress shape the brain and decision-making in groups.

Aboutthe lab:

The Schulze Lab addresses a central question: how do neural circuits compute the experience-dependent actions animals deploy in complex social worlds The lab studies how individual traits internal state and context interact to shape both personal behavioral trajectories and group-level outcomes. We put aparticular focus on the neural basis of inter-individual differences sexually dimorphic and stress-related features expressed in social contexts such as schooling behavior. We use data-driven approaches for realistic closed-loop controlled VR-experiments combined with two-photon calcium imaging and molecular phenotyping at single-cell resolution to investigate brain-wide circuits in the adult vertebrate brain. Further we use LICONN for ultrastructural analyses. More informationabout the Schulze lab can be found here:the Schulze Lab page.

In addition the HHMI Janelia Research Campus provides a highly collaborative resource-rich environment for our work.

What we provide:

• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and welfare benefits.

• Access to Janelias facilities and engineering support for imaging custom-hardware scientific computing Unity-based visual environments in-situ hybridization and dissection.

• A highly collaborative interdisciplinary research campus with close ties to labs working acrosssystemsneuroscience computation modeling and tool development.

• One-on-one mentorship.

• Support to attend and present at scientific conferences.

• Amenities that enhance work-life balance such as on-site childcare free gyms available on-campus housing social and dining spaces and convenient shuttle bus service to Janelia from the Washington D.C. metro area.

Whatyoulldo:

• Design VR systems and paradigms to present naturalistic socially rich stimuli.

• Write software to integrate ML-based/agentic approaches for multi-animal studies.

• Develop and execute experiments investigating the neural circuits underlying inter-individual differences sexually dimorphic and stress-related traits in social behavior.

• Analyze the multivariate whole-brain activity behavioral and stimulus data using computational approaches. Interpret results in the context of project goals.

• Prepare technical reports protocols and quantitative analyses andmaintainfamiliarity with current literature insystemsneuroscience and VR-based behavioral neuroscience.

• Collaborate with the labs VR specialist and othermembers of the Janelia community.

What you bring:

• A Ph.D. in neuroscience computer science engineering or a closely related field.

• A hybrid background bridging software-hardware integration and computational as well as ML skills with a solid grounding in systems neuroscience.

• Demonstrated experience building or working with complex rigs such as VR systems for behavioral neuroscience research.

• Working knowledge of scientific principles and the ability to exercise independent judgment in developing methods techniques and evaluation criteria.

• Ability to performhighly complexexperiments withhigh levelsof reliability and accuracy within time constraints.

• Genuine interest in the neural basis of inter-individual differences including sexually dimorphic and stress-related features in social contexts such as schooling behavior.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to prepare technical reports and contribute to publications.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers for example using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about workspace. The position requires mobility including the ability to move materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the jobs principal duties responsibilities and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement however. Unless they begin with the word may the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are essential functions of the job as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation:

A Postdoc 00 (0 to 1 year research experience after obtaining a PhD) is compensated at a rate of $74200.00 annually at HHMIs Janelia Research Campus.

Pay Type:

Annual

HHMIs salary structure is developed based on relevant job market data. HHMI considers a candidates education previous experiences knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity when making job offers.

#LI-BG1

Compensation and Benefits

Our employees are compensated from a total rewards perspective in many ways for their contributions to our mission including competitive pay exceptional health benefits retirement plans time off and a range of recognition and wellness programs. Visit our Benefits at HHMI site to learn more.

HHMI is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.