Duke University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Associate position in Statistical Science under the mentorship of Professor Surya Tokdar. This position will involve collaborative research concerning how the brain represents more than one stimulus at a time (multiplexing). Techniques involve neurophysiology in awake macaques (multiple electrode recordings) in visual and auditory brain regions. The work is collaborative with Prof. Jennifer Groh (Psychology and Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering; Duke University) and there is a second postdoctoral position available in her lab (see [Groh Lab]). Our groups recently found evidence that when confronted with two stimuli, neural populations contain fluctuating activity patterns: some neurons alternate between encoding one stimulus and encoding another on a sub-second to second time scale (e.g. see Caruso et al and Glynn et al). This NIH funded project now seeks to understand the organizing principles through which such fluctuating activity patterns serve to preserve and/or select information.

We are especially interested in hearing from candidates who see themselves as eventually launching an independent research program for which this training would provide a strong boost. A completed PhD in statistics or a related field is required prior to the start date (target: summer-fall 2022). Prior research experience and relevant programming skills with Bayesian methodology development are required in one or more of the following areas: multivariate analysis, mixture models, nonparametric estimation, high dimensional inference.

To apply, please submit CV, cover letter, and a list of references to https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/21981 as soon as possible. Review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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