The Clemens lab the European Neuroscience Institute in Göttingen (Germany) is recruiting a PhD student. The position is part of a DFG funded joint project with Matthias Hennig (Berlin) in the priority program “Evolutionary Optimization of Neuronal Processing” (SPP 2205).

The project will investigate how pattern recognition networks support the evolution of behavioral diversity, using acoustic communication in crickets as a model system. Building upon existing behavioral and circuit models, we will characterize the nonlinear mapping from circuit parameters to behavior using machine learning. We will combine large behavioral data sets from more than 20 different species, phylogenetic information, and computational modelling to investigate the evolutionary process that shaped the behavior in this species group. Hypotheses produced in the modelling approach will be tested with experimental collaborators in Berlin.

Your profile
- MSc in computational neuroscience, computational biology, physics, engineering, computer science or equivalent.
- Strong quantitative and programming skills are required.
- Experience with modelling, statistics, and machine learning.

Our offer
The position is for 4 years. The successful candidate will join one of the many excellent graduate schools on the Göttingen Campus. In addition, the candidate will be embedded in the diverse community formed by the members of SPP 2205. 

Application deadline: 15.2.2021
Start date: Spring/Summer 2021

How to apply?
Please send your application as a single pdf to Jan Clemens (clemensjan@gmail.com), including a CV as well as names and contact details of two references. Please include a short statement of why this project interests you and how you think you could contribute, based on your scientific background.