Connectionists: Several open positions in monkey electrophysiology and theoretical neurosciences

[David Rotermund]

The Center for Cognitive Sciences of the University of Bremen invites 
applications for open Post-doc and Ph.D. student positions for three 
related projects:

1.) 'Interareal phase coherence as a mechanism for attention-dependent 
neuronal signal routing: A model-guided causal analysis using new, 
multi-contact floating silicon probes for intracortical chronic 
stimulation and recording in primates' (http://www.isee.uni-bremen.de 
for details)
2.) 'I-See The artificial eye: Chronic wireless interface to the visual 
cortex' (http://www.isee.uni-bremen.de for details)
3.) 'Bernstein Award Udo Ernst - Rapid Parallel Configuration of Visual 
Information Processing' (http://www.bernstein.uni-bremen.de/ for details)

The Center aims at understanding neural information processing at the 
systems level using an interdisciplinary approach including experimental 
investigations in animals and humans in close combination with 
theoretical approaches. Taking advantage of the results of its basic 
research the center develops new approaches and applications in the 
field of neuro-technology and brain-computer interfaces. Its members 
come from the fields of  neurobiology, theoretical neuroscience, 
neurology, ophthalmology, electrical engineering, microsystems 
technology, computer science, and philosophy.

Interested candidates should send their application in German or English 
language, including the reference number of the position, a letter of 
motivation, CV, copies of school and university certificates 
(master/diploma or equivalent) until the 10th of September to:
Agnes Janßen
Cognium
Hochschulring 18
Universität Bremen
D-28359 Bremen
Germany

Severely disabled applicants and women with essentially identical 
technical and personal suitability will be preferentially selected.

The open positions:

1 Post-doc Position - Code: InAuKa-Kreiter
(Project: InAuKa - Electrophysiology in the group of Andreas Kreiter)
At the Center for Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Brain Research, a 
post-doc position is available in a DFG-funded project of the priority 
program "Resolving and Manipulating Neuronal Networks in the Mammalian 
Brain - from Correlative to Causal Analysis" (DFG SPP 1665).
The projects objective is to investigate the causal role of synchronized 
gamma-band activity between different cortical areas for 
attention-dependent transmission of neuronal signals through cortical 
networks. Within the course of these electrophysiological experiments 
with macaque monkeys using advanced multi-electrode recording 
techniques, methods to selectively influence parts of the involved 
networks during attentive processing of visual stimuli by electrical 
stimulation will be established. The networks dynamic properties will be 
characterized and newly developed multi-contact microelectrodes be 
tested. The project will be performed in close co-operation with our 
partners in engineering science and theoretical neurosciences.
Candidates should have a strong background in electrophysiology, a good 
understanding of theoretical concepts and advanced data analysis and the 
ability to communicate effectively in an interdisciplinary project team 
with theoreticians and engineers. Programming skills are of advantage. 
The position is available for a period of 3 years. Interested 
researchers are strongly encouraged to contact Prof. Kreiter 
(kreiter at brain.uni-bremen.de) to receive detailed information.

1 PhD Position - Code: InAuKa-Ernst
(Project: InAuKa - Theoretical neuroscience in the group of Udo Ernst)
One PhD student with background in physics or computational neuroscience 
is required for performing network simulations and formal analysis of 
information gating mechanisms. She/he will focus on oscillatory network 
activity and apply phase-response theory to determine how information 
gating is influenced by an external visual or electrical stimulus. To 
support the modeling studies, the student shall perform advanced data 
analysis and assist the group of Prof. Kreiter in establishing a 
closed-loop stimulation setup. The student will be supervised by Udo 
Ernst and is expected to closely collaborate with the group of Prof. 
Kreiter to link model simulations to the data gathered in the 
experiments. Basic knowledge in programming and in formal 
methods/Computational Neuroscience are required.

1 PhD Position - Code: Isee-Kreiter
(Project: I-See - Electrophysiology in the group of Andreas Kreiter)
At the Center for Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Brain Research, a PhD 
position is available in the University of Bremen's Creative Unit "I-See".
The key objective of this research project is developing the basis for a 
cortical visual prosthesis. The PhD-student will perform 
electrophysiological experiments with multi-electrode arrays placed on 
primary visual cortex of macaque monkeys. The perception of phosphenes 
induced by electrical stimulation, the influence of electrical 
stimulation on neuronal activity in V1 and the interaction of visual and 
electrical stimulation will be investigated. The project will be 
performed in close co-operation with our partners in engineering science 
and theoretical neuroscience.
The candidate should have a profound interest in neuroscience and its 
methodological and applied aspects and a strong background in 
neurophysiology. Programming skills are of advantage. The position is 
available immediately for a period of 3 years. Interested students are 
strongly encouraged to contact Prof. Kreiter 
(kreiter at brain.uni-bremen.de) to receive detailed information.

1 PhD Position - Code: Isee-Pawelzik
(Project: I-See - Theoretical neuroscience in the group of Klaus Pawelzik)
We are looking for a PhD student with a background in physics and/or 
computational neuroscience. She/he will work in close cooperation with 
experimentalists in the group of Andreas Kreiter. The student will 
analyse electro-physiological data with the goal to identify the 
underlying network structure/model which generates a specific neural 
response and visual percept to a particular electrical stimulation. 
She/he will then invert this model in order to determine the 
spatio-temporal stimulation pattern required for creating a desired 
visual percept. Basic knowledge in programming and in formal 
methods/Computational Neuroscience are required.

1 PhD Position - Code: Bernstein-Ernst
(Project: Berstein Award Udo Ernst - Electrophysiology)
Goal of this study is to investigate neural signatures and mechanisms of 
parallel functional configuration in multiple visual areas with 
massively parallel multielectrode recordings. The PhD student will 
conduct experiments on awake behaving macaque monkeys in collaboration 
with the group of Prof. Dr. Andreas Kreiter 
(kreiter at brain.uni-bremen.de), and analyze the collected data. This 
includes familiarization and training of the monkeys, preparation of the 
experimental setup and recordings, implantation of the electrode arrays, 
and recording of the data under different visual perception tasks. 
He/she should be familiar with standard methods of data analysis, as 
well as with elementary concepts from machine learning and information 
theory. He or she should have a degree (master/diploma or equivalent) in 
natural sciences (e.g. Biology) with focus on experimental work 
(preferably Animal Physiology). Basic programming skills and interest in 
formal methods from Computational Neuroscience are required. We expect a 
high motivation for communicating and collaborating with the other 
subprojects in the group.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.srv.cs.cmu.edu/pipermail/connectionists/attachments/20130819/0c0d4d3f/attachment.html>