Research Assistant, Computational Neuroethology
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Job posting number: #7111057
Posted: September 19, 2022
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Job Description
Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.The Biology department at Swarthmore College is soliciting applications for a Research Assistant in computational neuroethology under the supervision of Associate Prof. Eva-Maria Collins.
How the brain works is a key question in biology and medicine. Behavior is an accessible readout of brain function and can be used as a gateway to understand how the brain works. This limited time position is for a research project aimed at connecting behavior to brain function using freshwater planarians. Using chemical and genetic perturbations and machine learning, this project will study how the brain controls specific behaviors. The research assistant will develop machine learning algorithms to classify planarian behaviors.
Essential Responsibilities:
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with excellent communication skills and a BA/BS in computer science or closely related field. Fluency in Python and demonstrated computational image analysis and machine learning experience are required for this position.
Required Qualifications:
The successful candidate will work closely with undergraduate students at Swarthmore College. Therefore, demonstrated teamwork and a strong interest in mentoring undergraduate students is preferred.
This is a 1-year limited term position. This position offers a competitive benefits package and paid time off.
Located in the immediate suburbs of Philadelphia and just 20 miles from Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.