Postdoctoral Associate 130210
University of West Florida, Mathematics and Statistics · Pensacola, FL
FULL-TIME
Job Description
Postdoctoral Associate
130210
University of West Florida
JOB SUMMARY:
The successful candidate will
conduct cutting-edge research under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator,
Dr. Shusen Pu, to support projects under the Center for Computational
Intelligence. This position will collaborate on the creation and/or application
of computational models and systems capable of performing complex tasks in
strategic research clusters. The specific project focuses on developing
interpretable AI and computational modeling frameworks to address fundamental
questions in neuroscience. The postdoctoral researcher will integrate neural
recordings, dynamical systems models, recurrent neural networks, and modern AI
approaches to study cognition, neural dynamics, and motor control. Working
closely with experimental collaborators, the candidate will help connect
computational models with empirical data, generate testable predictions, and
refine models based on experimental observations. The candidate will also
contribute to computational model development, neural data analysis,
simulation, reproducible research workflows, manuscript preparation, and
external grant development aligned with NSF and NIH funding opportunities.
The position is approved for
funding for 2 years, with funding available to extend the appointment to a 3rd
year, dependent on having met specified goals and metrics agreed upon by the PI
and CCI leadership.
Postdocs are required to live
locally with the expectation of working on campus, with schedule flexibility
coordinated with the PI. Move date is also flexible within reason.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The appointee shall have
received a doctorate from an accredited institution in a field appropriate to
the assigned duties and responsibilities such as. Computational Neuroscience,
Neuroscience, Applied Mathematics, Statistics/Biostatistics, Computer Science,
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science/Data Analytics, or a
closely related field. Candidates must have a doctoral degree conferred before
the appointment date. Candidates must also be authorized to work in the US (US
citizens, permanent residents, or appropriate visa status. No H1-B visa allowed
due to current moratorium).
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Documented experience working
in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team environment. Strong
programming skills in Python/Matlab are required. Candidates should have
demonstrated experience in AI/machine learning, large language models or modern
AI systems, and computational neuroscience. The position also requires strong
quantitative skills relevant to computational modeling, neural data analysis,
simulation, and data-driven analysis of biological or neurophysiological
systems. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required,
including the ability to communicate technical results to both computational
and experimental collaborators.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in one or more
areas relevant to computational neuroscience, interpretable AI, machine
learning, large language models, dynamical systems modeling, recurrent neural
networks, neural-mass or mean-field modeling, EEG/ERP analysis, neural population
data analysis, or model-data integration. Experience developing reproducible
computational workflows in Python is preferred. Experience contributing to
grant proposals or externally funded research projects is highly preferred. The
ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary
research team environment and communicate effectively with computational
researchers, experimental collaborators, students, and external partners toward
shared research goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB
DUTIES:
· 30% - Performs research on assigned projects,
including computational model development, neural data analysis, simulation,
and model-data integration, with a primary focus on generating preliminary
results, figures, and workflows that support manuscripts and competitive
external funding proposals. - (Essential)
· 30% - Contributes directly to external funding
proposal development, including drafting technical sections, preparing
preliminary data, developing figures, supporting specific aims, and helping
align project outcomes with NSF, NIH, and other relevant funding opportunities.
- (Essential)
· 20% - Writes and contributes to manuscripts for
publication, including literature review, methods, results, figure preparation,
and manuscript revision. - (Essential)
· 10% - Coordinates project activities, tracks
milestones, reports progress to the PI and research team, and helps ensure that
research outputs are aligned with manuscript and proposal timelines. -
(Essential)
· 5% - Prepares research presentations and communicates
findings to collaborators, internal research groups, conferences, and other
applicable audiences. - (Essential)
· 5% - Trains and mentors undergraduate students,
graduate students, and other research associates involved in project-related
research activities. - (Essential)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
· Physical Requirements: No unusual physical requirement. Requires no heavy
lifting and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
· Impact of Deadlines: Work schedules, volume of work,
or priorities seldom change. Able to anticipate new work. Minimum distractions
or interruptions. Seldom involves conflicting demands on time.
· Standing:
Occasionally
· Walking:
Occasionally
· Sitting:
Daily
· Reaching with hands and arms: Frequently
· Climbing or balancing: Never
· Stooping:
Never
· Use of hands to handle objects: Daily
· Lifting up to 10lbs: Occasionally
· Lifting up to 25lbs: Never
· Lifting over 25lbs: Never
· Talking as express or exchange of ideas verbally: Daily
· Hearing as perceive sound by ear: Daily
· Vision as distinguish colors & depth: Daily
Special Requirements or
Considerations of the Job:
· This position requires a criminal background
screening.
· This position requires fingerprinting.
Special Instructions to
Applicants: Candidates must apply
online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu.
Applicants are required to attach a C.V., letter of interest and three
recommendations. References will be contacted upon submission of this
application. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during
the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at
850.474.2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.
If one or more of your
advanced degrees is awarded from an institution outside of the United States,
UWF will require a credential evaluation and/or translation prior to
onboarding. This credential evaluation should include original documents
received directly from your institution so that the agency can evaluate and
attest that your credential is equivalent to a similar degree earned at a US
institution. If your credential is not in English, this evaluation should also
include a translation to US English.
UWF does not endorse any
particular approved agency; however, typically any current National Association
of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency is acceptable. You are
advised to check with the agency first to make sure your educational background
can be evaluated as some agencies do not evaluate all international degrees.
When necessary, these
credential evaluations will be requested as part of the Offer Letter with
instructions on where and to whom these documents should be submitted.
ADDITIONAL POSTING DETAILS
Preferred Response Date: 07/15/2026
The University of West
Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any
individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF
by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694 (voice) or 850.857.6158
(TTY). E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at
the University are subject to Florida public records law.
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130210
University of West Florida
JOB SUMMARY:
The successful candidate will
conduct cutting-edge research under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator,
Dr. Shusen Pu, to support projects under the Center for Computational
Intelligence. This position will collaborate on the creation and/or application
of computational models and systems capable of performing complex tasks in
strategic research clusters. The specific project focuses on developing
interpretable AI and computational modeling frameworks to address fundamental
questions in neuroscience. The postdoctoral researcher will integrate neural
recordings, dynamical systems models, recurrent neural networks, and modern AI
approaches to study cognition, neural dynamics, and motor control. Working
closely with experimental collaborators, the candidate will help connect
computational models with empirical data, generate testable predictions, and
refine models based on experimental observations. The candidate will also
contribute to computational model development, neural data analysis,
simulation, reproducible research workflows, manuscript preparation, and
external grant development aligned with NSF and NIH funding opportunities.
The position is approved for
funding for 2 years, with funding available to extend the appointment to a 3rd
year, dependent on having met specified goals and metrics agreed upon by the PI
and CCI leadership.
Postdocs are required to live
locally with the expectation of working on campus, with schedule flexibility
coordinated with the PI. Move date is also flexible within reason.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
The appointee shall have
received a doctorate from an accredited institution in a field appropriate to
the assigned duties and responsibilities such as. Computational Neuroscience,
Neuroscience, Applied Mathematics, Statistics/Biostatistics, Computer Science,
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science/Data Analytics, or a
closely related field. Candidates must have a doctoral degree conferred before
the appointment date. Candidates must also be authorized to work in the US (US
citizens, permanent residents, or appropriate visa status. No H1-B visa allowed
due to current moratorium).
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
Documented experience working
in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research team environment. Strong
programming skills in Python/Matlab are required. Candidates should have
demonstrated experience in AI/machine learning, large language models or modern
AI systems, and computational neuroscience. The position also requires strong
quantitative skills relevant to computational modeling, neural data analysis,
simulation, and data-driven analysis of biological or neurophysiological
systems. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required,
including the ability to communicate technical results to both computational
and experimental collaborators.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in one or more
areas relevant to computational neuroscience, interpretable AI, machine
learning, large language models, dynamical systems modeling, recurrent neural
networks, neural-mass or mean-field modeling, EEG/ERP analysis, neural population
data analysis, or model-data integration. Experience developing reproducible
computational workflows in Python is preferred. Experience contributing to
grant proposals or externally funded research projects is highly preferred. The
ideal candidate will be able to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary
research team environment and communicate effectively with computational
researchers, experimental collaborators, students, and external partners toward
shared research goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/JOB
DUTIES:
· 30% - Performs research on assigned projects,
including computational model development, neural data analysis, simulation,
and model-data integration, with a primary focus on generating preliminary
results, figures, and workflows that support manuscripts and competitive
external funding proposals. - (Essential)
· 30% - Contributes directly to external funding
proposal development, including drafting technical sections, preparing
preliminary data, developing figures, supporting specific aims, and helping
align project outcomes with NSF, NIH, and other relevant funding opportunities.
- (Essential)
· 20% - Writes and contributes to manuscripts for
publication, including literature review, methods, results, figure preparation,
and manuscript revision. - (Essential)
· 10% - Coordinates project activities, tracks
milestones, reports progress to the PI and research team, and helps ensure that
research outputs are aligned with manuscript and proposal timelines. -
(Essential)
· 5% - Prepares research presentations and communicates
findings to collaborators, internal research groups, conferences, and other
applicable audiences. - (Essential)
· 5% - Trains and mentors undergraduate students,
graduate students, and other research associates involved in project-related
research activities. - (Essential)
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
· Physical Requirements: No unusual physical requirement. Requires no heavy
lifting and nearly all work is performed in a comfortable indoor facility.
· Impact of Deadlines: Work schedules, volume of work,
or priorities seldom change. Able to anticipate new work. Minimum distractions
or interruptions. Seldom involves conflicting demands on time.
· Standing:
Occasionally
· Walking:
Occasionally
· Sitting:
Daily
· Reaching with hands and arms: Frequently
· Climbing or balancing: Never
· Stooping:
Never
· Use of hands to handle objects: Daily
· Lifting up to 10lbs: Occasionally
· Lifting up to 25lbs: Never
· Lifting over 25lbs: Never
· Talking as express or exchange of ideas verbally: Daily
· Hearing as perceive sound by ear: Daily
· Vision as distinguish colors & depth: Daily
Special Requirements or
Considerations of the Job:
· This position requires a criminal background
screening.
· This position requires fingerprinting.
Special Instructions to
Applicants: Candidates must apply
online through the University of West Florida website: https://careers.uwf.edu.
Applicants are required to attach a C.V., letter of interest and three
recommendations. References will be contacted upon submission of this
application. An opportunity to upload these documents will be provided during
the application process. For assistance, please contact Human Resources at
850.474.2694 or email jobs@uwf.edu.
If one or more of your
advanced degrees is awarded from an institution outside of the United States,
UWF will require a credential evaluation and/or translation prior to
onboarding. This credential evaluation should include original documents
received directly from your institution so that the agency can evaluate and
attest that your credential is equivalent to a similar degree earned at a US
institution. If your credential is not in English, this evaluation should also
include a translation to US English.
UWF does not endorse any
particular approved agency; however, typically any current National Association
of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) member agency is acceptable. You are
advised to check with the agency first to make sure your educational background
can be evaluated as some agencies do not evaluate all international degrees.
When necessary, these
credential evaluations will be requested as part of the Offer Letter with
instructions on where and to whom these documents should be submitted.
ADDITIONAL POSTING DETAILS
Preferred Response Date: 07/15/2026
The University of West
Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Access/Disabled/Veteran employer. Any
individual requiring special accommodation to apply is requested to advise UWF
by contacting UWF Human Resources at 850.474.2694 (voice) or 850.857.6158
(TTY). E-Verify is required for employment. All applications for employment at
the University are subject to Florida public records law.
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Additional Details
- City
- Pensacola
- State
- Florida
- Country
- US
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