Researcher in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Among insects, bees stand out as expert navigators, using sophisticated strategies to return to their nest after convoluted and extended forgaging excursions. One such strategy is path integration, which is often used in conjunction with visual route navigation and might be a foundation for cognitive maps. While the neural underpinnings of navigation behavior become increasingly illuminated, most data on neural circuits exists in the fruit fly, whose navigational abilities are not as advanced as those of bees.

After obtaining large amounts of anatomical data on neural circuits underlying path integration in bees, we have identified a circuit that appears to be specific to bees and which might be able to explain the ability of bees for sophisticated navigation behavior. We will now use this data as a basis for computational circuit modeling to test whether the anatomical findings are indeed compatible with this hypothesis. For this project, we are seeking an experienced researcher to translate our anatomical data into computational models. The goal is to develop anatomically constrained models that incorporate the newly identified bee circuits and to test its behavior in navigational tasks. For this purpose, the circuit will be embedded into existing models of head direction coding and steering, both of which will also have to be adapted to construct a bee specific version of these networks.

Work duties

• The successful candidate will work full time on the above outlined research project. It is expected that she/he will actively and creatively develop and optimize the detailed methods to pursue the overall project goals
• All work will be carried out embedded in a collaborative research team, requiring sharing of expertise, open discussion of results and facilitating experiments of other team members
• Active participation at international conferences is expected, as well as dissemination of results in peer reviewed publications
• Finally, the position includes limited duties in administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification requirements

• Excellent oral and written proficiency in English
• PhD in neural computation, bio-inspired systems or similar topic
• At least two years of experience with work on computational models of insect brains, illustrated by relevant publications in peer reviewed journals
• Experienced programmer (python, ROS, matlab, C++)
• Good knowledge of insect navigation and neural circuits
• Experience in design, implementation and evaluation of behavioral models in simulated and real environments

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
Fixed-term, full time (100%) employment for 1 year, from 2021-10-15 or according to agreement.
Contact person is Stanley Heinze, stanley.heinze@biol.lu.se.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• Résumé/CV, including a list of publications
• a personal letter
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than two pages),
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered