[CogSci] Post-doc / University of Minnesota / Rodent, Human / Noel Lab

[Jean-Paul Noel]

*Postdoctoral Associate – Noel Lab, University of Minnesota*


The *Noel Lab* (noel-lab.org) in the *Department of Neuroscience* at
the *University
of Minnesota* is seeking highly motivated *Postdoctoral Associates* to join
our team. Funded by the *Simons Foundation*), these positions offer an
exciting opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at the intersection
of systems neuroscience and computational modeling.

Our lab is broadly interested in *Bayesian inference*, *perception*,
*multisensory
integration*, *spatial navigation*,*sensorimotor loops*, *embodied
cognition*, and *computational psychiatry*. We work across levels of
analysis—from single neurons to human behavior—using both *rodent* and
*human* models. This position will focus primarily on *rodent research*,
though exceptional candidates with expertise in human cognitive
neuroscience are encouraged to apply.
*Position Overview*

Successful candidates will lead projects involving:

   - Large-scale *neurophysiology* (e.g., Neuropixels recordings) in *awake,
   behaving rodents.*
   - *Computational modeling* and *advanced data analysis.*

At least one role will be embedded within the newly launched *Simons
Collaboration on Ecological Neuroscience (SCENE)*—a multi-species,
international consortium exploring ecological behaviors across *rodents,
bats, non-human primates, and humans (*
https://www.simonsfoundation.org/2025/04/24/simons-foundation-launches-collaboration-on-ecological-neuroscience/
*).*
*Collaborative Network*

You will engage with a global team of scientists, including but not limited
to:

   - *Jan Zimmermann* (University of Minnesota)
   - *Mate Lengyel* (Cambridge)
   - *Daniel Wolpert* (Columbia)
   - *Cris Neill* (University of Oregon)
   - *Andreas Tolias* (Stanford)
   - *Alexander & Mackenzie Mathis* (EPFL)
   - *Constantin Rothkopf* (TU Darmstadt)
   - *Nanthia Suthana* (Duke)

Opportunities for travel, data sharing, and joint publications across sites
will be plentiful.
*What We're Looking For*

*Required Qualifications*

   - Ph.D. in *Neuroscience*, *Biomedical Engineering*, or a related field
   - Strong publication record
   - Interest in understanding perception and decision-making in real-world
   contexts
   - Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
   - Proficiency in *MATLAB* and/or *Python*
   - Hands-on experience with *rodent behavior* and *surgeries*
   - Expertise in *large-scale neurophysiology* and *histology*
   - Skilled in *single-cell/population data analysis* (e.g., GLMs,
   decoding)

*Preferred Qualifications*

   - Background in *machine learning* or *computational modeling* (Bayesian
   methods, neural networks, etc.)
   - Experience with *marker-less video tracking* and *computer vision*
   - Experience with *CAD design* and *3D printing*
   - Familiarity with *relational databases* (e.g., SQL)
   - Demonstrated success in *collaborative research environments*

*Job Responsibilities*

Research (95% effort)

   - Design and conduct innovative experiments (e.g., neurophysiology data
   collection)
   - Build and maintain behavioral and neurophysiology rigs (head-fixed and
   freely-moving paradigms, including video-tracking)
   - Rodent surgeries
   - Analyze data and contribute to computational models
   - Draft high-quality figures, manuscripts, and grant materials
   - Present findings at scientific meetings

Mentoring and Instruction (5% effort)

   - Mentor students and foster a dynamic, collaborative lab culture.
   - Maintain proper documentation and keep standard operating procedures
   up to date.

*How to Apply?*

Option 1:



https://hr.myu.umn.edu/jobs/ext/367946



Option 2:

   - Send Dr. Jean-Paul Noel (Noelx071 at umn.edu) your *CV (including
   publications)* and a *Cover Letter* indicating:
      - Your preferred *starting date*
      - Your *scientific interests* and *ambitions for the future*
      - *Dates (and time)* at which you would be available for a 30 minute
      zoom interview.
      - Who may be able to provide a *reference letter* (letter not
      required at this stage).

*Details*

   - *Salary*: $61,008–$71,532/year, commensurate with experience
   - *Start Date*: July 1, 2025 (negotiable)




Best,

Jean-Paul Noel
Assist. Prof. in Neuroscience,
University of Minnesota

Note: my working day may not be yours, do not feel obligated to reply
outside your working hours.
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