Research Associate in Computational Neuroscience

About the role

Applications are invited to join an international research consortium aiming to build a neuronal pacemaker.

Your role in the project will be to develop digital twins of neuronal circuits of the brainstem and train them on electrophysiological data to provide the correct adaptation of pulses delivered to the heart

You will work in close collaboration with a the team at Bath testing and validating the pacemaker device, project partners, external consultants, and clinicians.

Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position in computational neuroscience to build and train the digital twin of a neuronal pacemaker.  You will estimate the network parameters that will configure pacemaker adaptation to physiological feedback.  The digital twin model consists of Hodgkin-Huxley type neurons emulating the brainstem central pattern generators that control heart rate adaptation on a beat-to-beat basis.  The model will be trained on actual electrophysiological recordings and electrocardiograms to produce the correct timings of pulses delivered to the heart following changes in respiration patterns and oximeter readings.  The group has extensive experience in optimizing such models with data assimilation and has demonstrated the importance of adaptive beat-to-beat pacing for reversing cardiorespiratory disease.  You will work in close collaboration with the postdoc testing and validating the pacemaker device by configuring its central pattern generator with estimated parameters and assist with coding.  You will also collaborate with other team members, project partners, external consultants, and clinicians.

The post calls for a Physics/Computational/Engineering PhD or a closely allied discipline with a good understanding of dynamical systems and proficient at modelling them in C/C++ and Python.  Additional experience in inverse problems, AI, neural networks, GUI coding or bioengineering would be a bonus.    You will also have good organisational, time management skills, the ability to organise data for publication, and good communication skills to thrive within an interdisciplinary consortium.

The aim of the consortium is to provide much needed therapy for cardiorespiratory disease.  By restoring heart rate adaptation and natural heart rate variability, the project will make a significant contribution to extending patients’ lives and improving patients’ quality of life.

The post holder will be a Physics/Computational/Engineering (or closely allied discipline) trained PhD with a good understanding of dynamical systems and proficiency at modelling them in C/C++ and Python.

Additional experience in inverse problems, AI, neural networks, GUI coding or bioengineering would be a bonus as well as good organisational and communication skills.

This is a fixed term role with an expected duration of 3 years.

For an informal discussion, please contact Prof Alain Nogaret, A.R.Nogaret@bath.ac.uk

What we can offer you:

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected & encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students, so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, & value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We are very proud to be an autism friendly university and are an accredited Disability Confident Leader.

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