Connectionists: PhD position on reservoirs with dynamic synapses (Göttingen, Germany)

[Fauth, Michael]

Apologies for cross-posting

The Institute of Biophysics at the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Germany, is looking to fill a Ph.D. position (German Salary Scale TV-L E13, 75% (29.85 weekly hours) for 3 years).

This post is designed to foster young researchers and give the successful applicant the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree. The position should be filled by March 1rst 2024 or soon thereafter. The positions will be affiliated with the groups of Dr. Michael Fauth and Prof. Florentin Wörgötter.

The Project:
Based on mathematical modeling and analysis, we aim to understand how the dynamics of synapses (e.g., synaptic plasticity) will not only shape neuronal activities in recurrent neuronal networks, but also carry out computation. We propose that networks optimally exploit this computational power through continuous rewiring of synapses -- that is creating synapses with different properties and stabilizing synapses with the right dynamics at the right place. We will test this using the abstract framework of reservoir/echo state networks and envision applications both in neuroscience and machine learning.

Your Profile:
Suitable candidates should have
- a Master degree or Diplom in physics, mathematics, computer science or comparable subjects,
- excellent mathematical and coding skills (e.g., Python, C++), in particular:
-- solid knowledge about linear algebra, differential equations and dynamical systems as well as their numerical simulation,
-- basic knowledge in machine learning and optimization as well as computational neuroscience,
- good skills in scientific communication (including proficiency in English),
- the ability to self-organize and independently solve problems,
- and the motivation to perform leading-edge research in a lively, multidisciplinary research environment
Optimally, you also have first experiences with
- echo state networks and reservoir computing
- stochastic processes
- information theory
- using GPUs for fast computing

The Göttingen Campus is a leading center of neuroscience in Europe hosting numerous internationally renowned research institutions, including the University and its Medical Center, the three life science Max Planck Institutes, the European Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Center, and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Göttingen.
The PhD candidate should enroll into the Göttingen Graduate School for Neuroscience, Biophysics and Molecular Bioscience to profit from their excellent training and supervision infrastructure.
The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The mission of the University is to employ a greater number of severely disabled persons. Applications from severely disabled persons with equivalent qualifications will be given preference.

Please send your e-mail application, preferably in one single PDF-document, including
a letter of interest, your curriculum vitae, copies of your certificates and contact information of at least two references until 21th of January, 2024 to Dr. Michael Fauth, e-mail: mfauth[at]gwdg.de.
(Online-)Interviews will likely be held on February 5-7th.
We will ask the candidates to give a 10min talk about their previous work (e.g. thesis project). If you have any questions, please contact Dr Michael Fauth via the above  e-mail.


Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/hinweisdsgvo