Dear Madam/Sir, could you please post the following Job offer for us? "The Heisenberg Research Group of Computational Biology at the University of Cologne in Cologne, Germany announces a Research Position (100%, EG TV-L 13) in computational neuroscience for the duration of up to three years. The position is available in the externally funded project "Central pattern generators and reflexive feedback in insect locomotion: a cross-species study". Animal locomotion begins in the central nervous system and results in quantifiable mechanical activity; it therefore provides an excellent entry point into the neural computations that create intentional behaviors that respond to environmental conditions. Locomotion originates in central pattern generators: neural networks in the spinal cord of vertebrates and thoracic ganglia of insects which produce rhythmic movements. Some preparations (e.g. lamprey, crayfish) can generate stable, near-periodic rhythms in isolation, others require sensory feedback either to produce functional gaits or for the stabilization of the rhythms. Cockroaches and stick insects exemplify these two extremes. They share the same basic neural and biomechanical architecture, but the former run rapidly over rough ground, while the latter are adapted for slow walking on twigs and leaves with varying orientations with regard to gravity. Using existing information and collecting new data, this project will compare these species and address questions as described in the work plan. The development of integrated mathematical and computational models is central to answering such questions. New data will improve existing models, and new models will be created to span the morphological and behavioral ranges from stick insects to cockroaches, allowing us to illuminate their adaptive strategies to different environments. The objective of our research project is to deepen our understanding of the generation and control of locomotion. This collaborative project is performed jointly by the groups of Drs. Silvia Gruhn (Dept. of Animal Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany) and Phil Holmes (Dept. of Mathematics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA). Applicants must have a Master's degree or a Diploma in Applied Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline and have excellent C++ programming skills. Previous experience in computational neuronal modeling is an advantage. The possibility to be enrolled into a PhD program will be provided if desired. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Dr. Silvia Gruhn (sgruhn@uni-koeln.de) by email. To apply, please send an email along with (1) curriculum vitae; (2) a cover letter describing previous research experience and interests; (3) the names and contact information of two referees." Thank you very much! With kind regards, Silvia Gruhn -- PD Dr. Silvia Gruhn DFG-Heisenberg Programm - Leiterin der Arbeitsgruppe 'Computational Biology' Zoologisches Institut, Abt. Tierphysiologie Universität zu Köln Biowissenschaftliches Zentrum, Zi. 1.104 Zülpicher-Straße 47b 50674 Köln Tel. 0221-4703829 Fax. 0221-4704889 http://www.neuro.uni-koeln.de/neuro-gruhn-staff-sg.html