Connectionists: PhD position in theoretical neurophysics

[Tobias Niemann]

The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Göttingen invites 
applications for a PhD student position (BATIIa/2) in theoretical 
neurophysics.

The successful candidate will use mathematical and computational 
modelling to characterize on the encoding of complex sounds in the 
auditory system. Key aspects of auditory encoding are determined by the 
first stage of auditory neuronal processing, the inner hair cell ribbon 
synapse that transforms sound information into neuronal impulse 
sequences. This synapse’s precision to code the temporal fine structure 
of acoustic stimuli is unparalleled. For example, our capacity to locate 
sound sources in space depends on interaural time differences in the 
arrival of sound of only a few hundreds of microseconds. Theoretical 
studies will address (1) the biophysical mechanisms that dynamically 
shape the synaptic encoding of sounds and (2) the resulting temporally 
precise coding schemes used by auditory processing stages in the brain. 
Modelling will be based on experimental data obtained by 
electrophysiological and imaging approaches.

We are looking for applicants with a first degree in physics, preferably 
with prior experience in theoretical physics or theoretical 
neuroscience, good computational skills and the ability to work in an 
interdisciplinary research team. Prior knowledge of biophysics and 
neuroscience is welcome but not required.

The candidate's PhD research will be supported the recently established 
Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) in Göttingen. 
Göttingen is a center of neuroscience in Europe hosting numerous 
internationally recognized neuroscience research institutions, including 
three Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the 
German Primate Research Center, and Göttingen University's Centers for 
Systems Neuroscience (ZNV) and for the Molecular Physiology of the Brain 
(CMPB). The BCCN integrates theoretical and experimental research groups 
from these institutions to foster interdisciplinary research in 
computational neuroscience specifically supporting close collaboration 
between theorists and experimental researchers.

Please submit your application preferably in one single PDF-document, 
including cover letter, CV, list of publications, names of possible 
referees, relevant certificates to: jobs at bccn-goettingen.de (Subject: 
AuditoryTheoNeurohys PhD)

While e-mail is preferred, applications may also be submitted in 
hardcopy to the following address:

Dr. Fred Wolf
Subject: AuditoryTheoNeurohys PhD
Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Göttingen 
Max-Planck-Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Bunsenstrasse 10
D - 37073 Göttingen,
Germany

http://www.bccn-goettingen.de

The MPIDS is an equal opportunity employer.