Connectionists: 2 Marie Curie PhD positions in in Computational Neuroscience at ISC-CNR Florence (Italy)

[Alessandro Torcini]

Two PhD fellowships Computational Neuroscience

1. Emergence of collective dynamics in scale-free neuronal networks    (ESR14)

2. Measures of spike train synchrony    (ESR15)

within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network - ‘Neural Engineering
Transformative Technologies’ (NETT)
at the Institute of Complex Systems (ISC), CNR, Florence, Italy.

Gross Salary per annum:  42,028 € (Living Allowance) plus 9,290 -
13,272 € (Mobility Allowance) depending on circumstances

Required titles:  MSc in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering

Applications: The applications should be prepared and send as detailed
on this webpage:
http://neuro.fi.isc.cnr.it/index.php?page=how-to-apply

Closing date for both positions: 1 September 2012

Applications are invited for the above posts to work with Dr
Alessandro Torcini and Dr Thomas Kreuz in the Computational
neuroscience group at ISC, Florence. This world leading group combines
theoretical investigations (e.g., on nontrivial collective phenomena
in neuronal populations) with practical applications (e.g., spike
train analysis). The group is one of the main participants in the
Center for the Study of Complex Dynamics (CSDC) created with the
purpose of coordinating interdisciplinary training and research
activities. CSDC researchers include physicists, control engineers,
mathematicians, biologists and psychologists. Both full-time posts are
available from 01 January 2013 and will be offered on a fixed-term
contract for a period of 36 months.

The two successful candidates will register for a 3 year PhD degree at
the University of Florence in Information Technology, Systems and
Telecommunication (Course on Nonlinear Dynamics and Complex Systems).
Candidates must be in the first 4 years of their research careers and
not been awarded a doctorate degree. Preference will be given to
candidates with experience in mathematical and computational
neuroscience. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity we
encourage applications from women. To comply with the Marie Curie
Actions rule for mobility applicants must not have resided, worked or
studied in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to Sept
2012. The fellowships will include international internships so the
candidates must be able to move between countries as necessary.

1. Marie Curie Actions Early Stage Researcher (PhD fellowship)

Emergence of collective dynamics in scale-free neuronal networks   (ESR14)


The successful candidate will work within the framework of nonlinear
dynamics and computational neuroscience. His/her main task will be the
study of the macroscopic and microscopic evolution of neural networks
with various topologies. In particular, he/she should analyze the
robustness of collective solutions in presence of an external
feedback. One of the main tasks will be the development of efficient
numerical codes to simulate the networks' dynamics and to develop
tools to analyze their macroscopic properties. This fellowship
includes a three-month secondment working with either Prof Stephen
Coombes at the School of Mathematical Sciences in Nottingham, UK, or
Prof Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo in the Department of Physics and Nuclear
Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain. It also
includes a three-month internship with the project industrial partner,
bioPmed in Piemonte near Turin, Italy.

The candidates should have a strong background in at least one of the
following fields: nonlinear dynamics, statistical physics or
computational neuroscience as well as solid experience in scientific
programming (with languages Fortran and/or C).

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Alessandro Torcini
(alessandro.torcini at cnr.it).

2. Marie Curie Actions Early Stage Researcher (PhD fellowship)

Spike train analysis from neuronal networks   (ESR15)

The successful candidate will work within the framework of
computational neuroscience and signal processing. His/her main task
will be the analysis of electrophysiological data, in particular
recordings of single- and multi-unit spike trains as well as local
field potentials and EEG all of which will be provided by the
international partner institutions. One of the principal objectives
will be the improvement of methods to estimate spike train synchrony
and in particular the development and extension of a Matlab toolbox
for spike train analysis. Furthermore, the candidate will help to
adapt other nonlinear time series analysis tools to the specific needs
of the collaborating nodes in the Netherlands, France, Portugal,
Spain, and the UK. This fellowship includes a three-month secondment
to either Dr Simon Schultz in the Department of Bioengineering at
Imperial College London, UK or Prof Bert Kappen at the Radboud
University Nijmegen, Netherlands. It also includes a three-month
internship in the third year with the project industrial partner,
bioPmed in Piemonte near Turin, Italy.

The candidate should have a strong background in computational
neuroscience and  data analysis as well as solid experience in
programming (Matlab).

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Thomas Kreuz (thomas.kreuz at cnr.it).

In order to apply please follow the detailed indications provided on
this webpage:
http://neuro.fi.isc.cnr.it/index.php?page=how-to-apply