Connectionists: Max Planck Postdoctoral and PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience_[Scanned]

[Robert Guetig]

Postdoctoral and PhD positions in Computational Neuroscience

The newly formed Max Planck Research Group "Theoretical Neuroscience" 
headed by Robert Guetig is seeking highly motivated researchers to study 
information processing in spiking neuronal networks. The group is 
located at the Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine in 
Goettingen, Germany.

We use analytical and numerical modeling techniques to identify the 
computational principles underlying spike based information processing 
and learning in central nervous systems and to understand how these 
principles are implemented by biological processes. Specifically, we 
focus on the role of action potential timing in subserving sensory 
neuronal representations and computation as well as in controlling 
synaptic plasticity. Open projects center around the recently developed 
tempotron family of spiking neuronal network models (Guetig & 
Sompolinsky, Nat. Neurosci. 2006) and cover a broad range of topics 
including mathematical analyzes of information processing in spiking 
neuronal networks, spike-based learning in single and multi-layer 
neuronal networks, sensory spike data analysis, temporal processing with 
short term synaptic dynamics, as well as applied development of visual 
and speech processing systems.

The positions are available immediately. Applicants should have a strong 
background in physics, mathematics, computer science, computational 
neuroscience or a related field and a keen interest in neurobiology and 
systems neuroscience. Good programming skills (C, Python and/or Matlab) 
are important and experience with numerical simulations highly 
beneficial. Previous exposure to neuroscience is preferred but not 
required. Applications will be considered until all positions are filled.

Please send your application or further questions to Robert Guetig 
(guetig at em.mpg.de) including a cover letter, a detailed CV (including 
degrees, grades and publications), a statement of research experiences 
and interests and the names and contact information of at least two 
referees.

Goettingen provides a vibrant and stimulating neuroscience community 
with a strong background in both, experimental and computational 
neuroscience. The research campus includes the three Max-Planck 
Institutes for Biophysical Chemistry, Experimental Medicine and Dynamics 
and Self-Organization, the European Neuroscience Institute Goettingen, 
the Center for System Neuroscience (CSN), the Bernstein Center for 
Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) and the interdisciplinary 
Collaborative Research Center "Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory 
Processing". Graduate students can choose among a large number of PhD 
programs of the Goettingen Graduate School for Neurosciences and 
Molecular Biosciences (GGNB).

The Max Planck Society is committed to employing more handicapped 
individuals and especially encourages them to apply