Connectome Annotation Manager

Connectome Annotation Manager

Overview

The Seung & Murthy Lab at Princeton Neuroscience Institute aims to make discoveries by mapping the brain. The Lab is using high-throughput serial electron microscopy (SEM) to completely image multiple brains and nervous systems. The massive data sets will be utilized to reconstruct neuronal circuits, ultimately culminating in the complete connectome—or wiring diagram—of the brain. The connectome will provide the most complete anatomical description of a complex nervous system to date in an organism uniquely suited to combine this anatomical information with functional imaging, electrophysiology, quantitative behavioral assays, precise genetic manipulation of identified cell types and computational modeling. Thus we expect these circuit-level reconstructions to inform specific biological experiments, enabling dramatic leaps in our understanding of brain function.

We are seeking a talented individual to assemble, train, and lead a group of approximately six on-site neuron tracing staff and over thirty off-site personnel, with the potential for a significantly larger effort based on the established success of the initial team. In order to be successful, the manager must have research experience in neuroanatomy, preferably in the application of electron microscopy to elucidate neurobiological function. Knowledge of Drosophila and/or mammalian brain, and/or software for reconstructing objects from serial section images is strongly desired. The manager will collaborate with scientists (at Princeton and elsewhere) whose research is targeted toward understanding of specific circuits and functions in the Drosophila and/or mammalian brain, guiding their team of highly trained specialists to identify, trace, and annotate specific collections of neurons from the vast data being produced. The manager will also collaborate closely with the project teams producing the SEM data and developing the algorithms and tools that enable the work of their team. Thus, the ideal candidate for this position must have a biological background, the ability to translate scientific concepts into clear communications that are easily understood and the ability and willingness to learn and grow into the role.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Managing, supporting and training a group of approximately six neuron tracing staff on-site and over thirty plus off-site, with the potential for a significantly larger effort based on the established success of the initial team.
• Collaborating with scientists (at Princeton and elsewhere) whose research is targeted toward understanding of specific circuits and functions in the Drosophila and/or mammalian brains, guiding their team of highly trained specialists to identify, trace, and annotate specific collections of neurons from the vast data being produced.
• Collaborating closely with the project teams producing the SEM data and developing the algorithms and tools that enable the work of their team.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• A Master's degree in Neuroscience is required.
• Experience in neuroanatomy, preferably in the application of electron microscopy to elucidate neurobiological function.
• Knowledge of Drosophila and/or mammalian brains and/or software for reconstructing objects from serial section images is strongly desired.
• Biology background, the ability to translate scientific concepts into clear communications that are easily understood and the ability and willingness to learn and grow into the role.
• The candidate must possess an innate sense of pace and urgency, and excel at working in a team science environment to achieve challenging goals, prioritizing multiple assignments, and communicating clearly to a broad group of collaborators.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD degree in Neuroscience or other related field and the ability to teach scientific concepts.
• Experience in supervising and leading the work of others in a dynamic setting.

The term of this position is one year with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS