Connectionists: PhD position in multiple spike train data analysis

[Roman Borisyuk]

Applications are invited for 3 year PhD studentship in the Centre for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Plymouth, UK, starting from the 1st of October 2007. The studentship will cover a stipend of £12,600 per year and tuition fees at the home rate (£3,250 per year), overseas candidates will be liable for the difference between 'home student fees' and 'foreign student fees'.

PhD student will participate in development of new mathematical and statistical methods, numerical algorithms and software for analysing multiple spike train data (simultaneously recorded activities of several neurons). These new methods will lead to better understanding the relations between brain functions and spiking activity of neurons. This interdisciplinary project is exciting and challenging.

The studentship is funded as a part of CARMEN project grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). CARMEN (Code Analysis, Repository and Modelling for e-Neuroscience) is a neuroinformatics project coordinated by the Institute of Neuroscience at Newcastle University (www.ncl.ac.uk/ion/) which brings together a consortium of 11 UK Universities with expertise in experimental neuroscience, computing science and statistical data analysis. Some information on CARMEN may be found at http://bioinf.ncl.ac.uk/carmen/index.php/Main_Page.

We are looking for a strong candidate with a good knowledge of mathematical and statistical methods for data analysis. Applicants must normally hold a first or upper second class honours degree or equivalent qualification, or a masters degree, in an appropriate discipline (maths, statistics, computer science, physics, engineering), and have a strong interest in studying information processing in the brain and experimental data analysis. Knowledge/experience in neuroscience and good programming skills will be an advantage.

Requests for further particulars and informal enquires may be made to Prof Roman Borisyuk (roman.borisyuk at plymouth.ac.uk ).

General information about applying for a research degree at the University of Plymouth and application forms are available at http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pghowtoapply or by contacting Ann Treeby (ann.treeby at plymouth.ac.uk ). 

Applications should be sent direct to Mrs Ann Treeby (ann.treeby at plymouth.ac.uk ) Research Admin Assistant, Faculty of Science, University of Plymouth, PL4  8AA.  

The closing date for applications is 17th August, 2007, noon.  Decisions will be made in September 2007.