Applications are invited for an EASTBIO-funded PhD position in the labs of Dr. Gulsen Surmeli and Dr. Matthias Hennig. This is an excellent training opportunity for a highly motivated individual to learn both the use of modern in vivo functional neuron imaging technologies and the applications computational methods to address fundamental questions in neuronal computation. Objectives: Cognitive abilities are a result of coordinated activity of billions of neurons. Recent advances in neuroscience research now enables monitoring activity of thousands of neurons during cognitive tasks. Decoding these large ensemble codes enable unprecedented insight into the inner workings of the brain. This project aims to investigate neural ensemble coding of cortical memory networks. In this project, we will investigate the encoding of memories in cortical networks. In Dr. Surmeli’s lab, a miniaturized head attached fluorescent microscope (miniscope) will be used to perform cellular resolution imaging of activity of neuronal ensembles in freely moving mice during memory tasks. Combined with advanced genetic techniques this method allows tracking activity of thousands of neurons during memory formation and recall. Since memory engrams are typically sparse and highly distributed over many neurons, tracking the acquisition of new memories will require advanced analysis methods, which will be developed in collaboration with the second supervisor based in the School of Informatics. Moreover, the results will enable constructing new models of short and long-term memory acquisition that can advance artificial neural networks used in machine learning applications. For conditions of applying and to apply please refer to: https://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=100855 Download application and reference forms via: https://www.ed.ac.uk/roslin/postgraduate/bbsrc-eastbio-dtp Lab website/Online Profile https://www.ed.ac.uk/discovery-brain-sciences/our-staff/research-groups/dr-g... http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/mhennig/ -- The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC005336.