We (Cheng Lab, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany) are looking to fill two positions in the area of computational neuroscience each for 3 years.

Positions

• analyze learning dynamics in behavioral, neural, and psychophysiological data, which will be collected by other projects within the SFB 1280.
• compare the learning dynamics between individuals, species, learning phases and learning paradigms,
  
• develop algorithms to analyze the learning dynamics,
  
• develop and study computational models of learning dynamics, and
  
• coordinate research with other participating projects.

2. PhD student or Postdoc: Develop and study computational models of episodic memory and spatial navigation by:

• extending models based on large networks of biologically plausible spiking neurons with synaptic plasticity,

• studying the generation and learning of complex spatial behaviors in the model,
• quantitatively comparing the model output to the spatial behavior of mammals, and
  
• studying the role of episodic memory in spatial navigation.
  

The research group is highly dynamic and uses diverse computational modeling approaches including biological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning to investigate learning and memory in humans and animals.

Qualifications

• A doctorate degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, electrical/biomedical engineering or a closely related field. In exceptional cases, graduate students with a Masters degree in these fields, but no doctorate degree, may be considered.

• Relevant experience in mathematical modeling together with a solid mathematics background
  

• Relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field (only position 1)

• Be able to think algorithmically and have excellent programming skills (e.g., Python)

• Excellent communication skills in English

• Work well in a team.

The Ruhr University Bochum is home to a vibrant research community in neuroscience and cognitive science. The Institute for Neural Computation in the Faculty of Computer Science combines different areas of expertise ranging from experimental and theoretical neuroscience to machine learning and robotics.

Please send your application, including CV, transcripts (bachelor & master) and research statement electronically, as a single PDF file, to samarasinghe@ini.rub.de. In addition, at least two academic references must be sent independently to the above email address.

The Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.

We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers, in particular those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to network with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare will be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution.

-- 
Vinita Samarasinghe M.Sc., M.A.

Science Manager
Arbeitsgruppe Computational Neuroscience
Institut für Neuroinformatik
Ruhr-Universität Bochum, NB 3/73
Postfachnummer 110
Universitätstr. 150
44801 Bochum

Tel: +49 (0) 234 32 27996
Email: samarasinghe@ini.rub.de