CREAF is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the EXPERIMENTAL-GEU (Estudi de la composició elementals d'organismes i ecosistemes. Canvis globals i implicacions per la natura i els humans) with ref. 03752 funded by European Commission and Chinese Academy Sciences
Project to work on the ecology of brain structure and function. The conceptual framework will be the application of the Information–Mass–Energy (IME) theory to analyze brain structure, function, and evolution.
A part-time contract (20 hours per week) is offered, with an expected start date of January 1, 2026. The initial duration will be 12 months, extendable up to 24 months. The gross annual salary offered is 17.494,46 €] (corresponding to category I4).
MAIN FUNCTIONS
- Assist in the development and formalization of the IME biophysical ecological framework applied to brain structure, function, and evolution across species.
- Perform comparative analyses of information processing, scaling with mass, and energy constraints among brains of different species.
- Compile and curate datasets (neuroanatomical, metabolic, physiological, and phylogenetic) from published sources and open repositories.
- Design and implement quantitative models (scaling, allometry, thermodynamics, and information theory) and run simulations to test IME-derived hypotheses.
- Develop and apply statistical and machine learning methods to infer scaling relationships, trade-offs, and mechanisms driving cognitive complexity.
- Write scientific articles, technical reports, and funding proposals; present results at conferences.
- Contribute to outreach and knowledge transfer activities, including preparing educational materials linking IME principles with brain medicine and AI.
REQUIREMENTS
- PhD in Neuroscience, Theoretical Biology, Systems Biology, Computational Biology, Ecology, or a closely related field.
- Publications in relevant areas: cognitive neuroscience, cellular neuroscience, computational neuroscience and/or biology, comparative neuroanatomy, quantitative ecology, systems biology, philosophy of mind and/or biology.
- Ability to compile and curate heterogeneous data and perform meta-analyses.
- Programming skills (Python and/or R; experience with MATLAB or similar is a plus).
- Excellent oral and written communication in Catalan and English.
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and coordinate collaborative projects.
ASESSABLE CONDITIONS
- Experience integrating energy balance/flux data (e.g., metabolic rates, imaging-derived metabolic proxies).
- Experience with neuroimaging datasets (MRI, fMRI, PET) or large brain anatomy databases (e.g., Allen Brain Atlas).
- Track record in scientific communication, outreach, or development of teaching materials.
- Knowledge of languages other than Catalan and English.
- Candidates with a certified disability of 33% or more will be prioritized, provided the disability is compatible with the position's responsibilities.
SELECTION PROCES AND CRITERIA
1. Application submission: Interested candidates must apply to the position and attach the required documentation, an English CV, and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) until December 3rd, 2025. Applications submitted through any portal other than CREAF’s job board or not following the indicated instructions will not be accepted.
2. Pre-selection: Assessment of compliance with the minimum requirements of the job offer.
3. Selection: Evaluation of shortlisted candidates based on objective criteria, interviews with a short list of candidates, and completion of a proposed exercise.
4. Final decision: If a suitable candidate is identified, they will be formally notified of the selection, and all other participants in the process will be informed by email.
JOB OFFER IN PDF