Summer Research Interns, Center for Computational Neuroscience

Description

The Center for Computational Neuroscience (CCN) aims to develop theories, models, and computational methods that deepen our knowledge of brain function — both in health and in disease. CCN takes a “systems" neuroscience approach, building models that are motivated by fundamental principles, that are constrained by properties of neural circuits and responses, and that provide insights into perception, cognition and behavior. This cross-disciplinary approach not only leads to the design of new model-driven scientific experiments, but also encapsulates current functional descriptions of the brain that can spur the development of new engineered computational systems, especially in the realm of machine learning.  CCN is one of five centers that make up the Flatiron Institute, an internal scientific unit of the Simons Foundation, focused on computational aspects of a wide range of basic science. The mission of the Flatiron Institute is to advance scientific research through computational methods, including theory, modeling, simulation and data analysis. 

CCN’s research groups include:

• Computational vision  (PI: Eero Simoncelli)

• Neural circuits and algorithms  (PI: Dmitri ‘Mitya’ Chklovskii)

• NeuroAI and geometric data analysis  (PI: SueYeon Chung)

• Statistical analysis of neural data  (PI: Alex Williams)

POSITION SUMMARY

CCN invites applications for paid summer internships by motivated graduate or advanced undergraduate students in physics, electrical engineering, statistics, computer science or a related field (advanced doctoral students are encouraged to apply instead to CCN’s Summer Predoc Program, which runs concurrently).  Knowledge of neuroscience is helpful but not required.  Undergraduate students will be appointed with a title of Summer Research Assistant, while graduate students will be appointed with a title of Summer Research Associate.

CCN interns participate as full members of the CCN and Flatiron Institute communities during their internship. Interns are assigned a primary mentor and research group within the center, are invited to attend and present within their research group’s meetings, and are also invited to participate in meetings of CCN’s other research groups as well as center- and Flatiron-wide activities such as guest lectures, training on use of the Institute’s robust scientific computing resources, and intern social activities.  Finally, interns will be invited to present their work at an Institute-wide symposium held at the end of the internship period. 

This internship will take place in-person at the Simons Foundation’s offices in New York City. CCN will provide roundtrip travel to and from New York City as well as housing for interns based outside of New York City.

Visit the Flatiron Institute career page to learn more.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting to the assigned mentor in the CCN, the projects will involve analysis of neuroscience data and modeling networks, applying the skills of analytical calculations and computer programming

• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required

Qualifications

Education:

• Candidates should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in physics, electrical engineering, statistics, computer science or a related technical field.

Experience:

• Experience with research projects in neuroscience is helpful.

Related Skills & Other Requirements:

• The successful applicant should have experience with programming in Matlab, Python, or C

• The applicant should have satisfactorily completed Calc III and Linear Algebra

Application Instructions

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• Curriculum vitae with bibliography or resume;

• Cover letter of no more than two pages describing the candidate’s past research experience and what they hope to gain from a summer internship at the Flatiron Institute.

• Current, unofficial transcripts for all universities you have attended.

Intern Semesters and Deadlines

• Summer Internship Period: May 27 to August 8

• Deadline to apply: January 17, 2024 

CCN will hold in-person interviews at NeurIPS 2024 and Cosyne 2025. Decisions will be made on a rolling basis through Friday, March 17, 2024.

COMPENSATION

• Interns at the Research Assistant (undergraduate) level will earn $20.00 per hour

• Interns at the Research Associate (graduate) level will earn $25.00 per hour

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SIMONS FOUNDATION'S DIVERSITY COMMITMENT

Many of the greatest ideas and discoveries come from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. The Simons Foundation actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.