Phd Student In Computational Neuroscience (F/M/D)

For our DFG project "Morphogenic impact of excitatory-inhibitory interaction on the structure of neuronal networks" we are looking for an highly motivated PhD student to investigate the role of inhibition in the activity-dependent, structural self-organization of neuronal networks using computational modelling. Starting from our prior work, the candidate will design and implement more realistic growth models with spiking neurons to understand how inhibitory and excitatory neurons interact during the development of neuronal tissue. This computational thesis project will be carried out in close collaboration with a parallel PhD project using experimental approaches to analyze network development and maturation of inhibition to define, adjust and validate the model.

The project and the position are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and will be carried out in the Professorship for Biomicrotechnology, Faculty of Engineering, headed by Prof. Ulrich Egert. The candidate will be embedded in a large and renowned neuroscientific community for training, scientific and social exchange, with the Bernstein Center Freiburg and the Cluster of Excellence BrainLinks-BrainTools as major centers. You will be encouraged to participate in international academic conferences, forge collaborations, and learn to work towards high-quality scientific publishing.

In addition to the local HPC resources in Freiburg, the project will collaborate with Prof. Abigail Morrison’s “Computation in Neural Circuits” group at the Forschungszentrum Juelich, providing outstanding expertise and infrastructure in the field of high performance computing.

Candidates should have an MSc degree in Natural sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, or related areas with in-depth experience in advanced data analysis, computational modeling or a similar field. Experience with MATLAB or Python is a plus. You have a strong interest in neuroscience and its biological fundamentals. Communication and working in a group comes naturally and we expect proactive collaboration with the experimental PhD project.

Application:The application should include CV, letter of motivation, course transcripts and diplomas from high school and universities. Please include contact information of two senior scientists who would provide letters of recommendation upon request. Your application, including diplomas (certified translations), must be written in English or German.