The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one open PhD student position in computational neuromechanical modeling. The position is part of the ERC Synergy Salamandra project that started in September 2021, together with Prof. Andras Simon (KI Sweden) and Prof. Dimitri Ryczko (U. Sherbrooke, Canada). See some info here: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/salamanders-provide-a-model-for-spinal-cord-rege-3/
The goals of the position are (i) to develop numerical models of the musculoskeletal system of the salamander (and other related animals), (ii) to develop models of the physical interactions of the simulated bodies with water and ground environments, and (iii) to simulate neurons that relay proprio- and exteroception to locomotor circuits (together with computational neuroscientists in the team). The positions are fully funded for 4 years.
EPFL is one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe and offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure.
Requirements:
Candidates need to have a Master degree in a field related to computational modeling and physics-based simulations, e.g. in computer science, mechanical engineering, or physics. The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong numerical modeling background, good programming skills, good math background (e.g. in dynamical systems), and interest in animal and robot locomotion.
How to apply for the position:
Step 1: The position is only open to applicants who have been accepted by the EPFL doctoral school (see http://phd.epfl.ch/). The first step is therefore to fill the applications for one of the relevant EPFL doctoral programs (e.g. robotics or computer science).
Step 2: In parallel to step 1, or once accepted by one of the doctoral programs (please specify which doctoral program and the date of acceptance), the application to the position should be sent by email to Prof. Auke Ijspeert and consist of a motivation letter (explaining why you are interested in the project, and why you feel qualified for it) and a copy of the doctoral program application.
Informal inquiries about the relevance of an application can be sent to auke.ijspeert@epfl.ch (e.g. before or while submitting an application to the doctoral school), but responses can be slow because of a heavy schedule and a filled mail box.
Deadline and starting date: The ideal starting date is September 2023 (with some flexibility). Applications will be considered starting from December 2022, and then continuously until the positions are filled.
Contact: Information concerning the type of research carried out by the lab can be found at https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/ . You should send your application and any inquiry by email to: auke.ijspeert@epfl.ch
-- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert Biorobotics Laboratory EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9 EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland Office: ME D1 1226 Tel: +41 21 693 2658 Fax: +41 21 693 3705 www: http://biorob.epfl.ch Email: Auke.Ijspeert@epfl.ch -----------------------------------------------------------------