Weakly nonlinear interactions in an
electrosensory cocktail party problem
Within the DFG priority program "Evolutionary Optimisation of
Neuronal Processing", we are looking for a PhD candidate to work
on the detection of weak signals in the presence of much
stronger distractors, a joint project with the experimental lab
of Jan Benda (University Tubingen, Germany). The 'cocktail party
problem' is here regarded as a general theoretical problem and
will be explored by the successful candidate by means of
analytical calculations and numerical simulations of stochastic
models of spiking neurons. Beyond pursuing purely theoretical
approaches, the main goal of this project is to understand
weakly nonlinear interactions specifically in the electrosensory
system of weakly electric fish, an experimental model system of
the Benda lab.
In order to get an idea about similar approaches pursued in the
past, have a look at some of the joint publications of the Benda
lab and the Lindner group:
Fisch et al. J. Neurosci. 32, 17332 (2012)
Sharafi et al. J. Comp. Neurosci. 34 , 285 (2013)
Grewe et al. PNAS 114 E1977 (2017)
The successful candidate should have a degree in physics,
mathematics or computational neuroscience (a background in
neurobiology is desirable but not obligatory), programming
skills (C++, Python, LaTeX, Linux), an excellent command of the
English language, good communication skills, team spirit, and,
last but not least, great enthusiasm for interdisciplinary
projects.
Funding is provided for three years, starting within the next
three months. For details on the doctoral examination process at
the Physics Department of Humboldt University Berlin, see
https://fakultaeten.hu-berlin.de/en/mnf/wisskar/promotionen/zula.
Applications, including a letter of motivation, a CV, and a list
of three potential referees should be sent by email to
me
benjamin.lindner@physik.hu-berlin.de
(cc to
nikola.schrenk@bccn-berlin.de)
The deadline for applications is March 25, 2020, however, later
applications might also be considered.
Kind regards,
Benjamin Lindner
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Benjamin Lindner
Professor for
Theory of Complex Systems and Neurophysics
Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin
Philippstr. 13, Haus 2, 10115 Berlin
Room: 1.17, phone: 0049(0)302093 6336
Department of Physics Humboldt University Berlin
Newtonstr. 15 12489 Berlin
Room: 3.408, phone: 0049(0)302093 7934
http://people.physik.hu-berlin.de/~lindner/index.html
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