Connectionists: Subject: PhD Position – Computational Modeling of Dopamine Dynamics (Ruhr University Bochum)

[Robert Schmidt]

Subject: PhD Position – Computational Modeling of Dopamine Dynamics 
(Ruhr University Bochum)

The Neural Data Science Group (PI: Prof. Dr. Robert Schmidt, 
https://www.ini.rub.de/the_institute/people/robert-schmidt/), located in 
the Faculty of Computer Science at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), invites 
applications for a 3-year PhD position (75%, TV-L E13) in computational 
neuroscience, starting as soon as possible.

The position is part of a DFG-funded project and embedded in the new 
research building THINK (Center for Theoretical and Integrative 
Neuroscience and Cognitive Science). The project develops a biophysical 
computational model of striatal dopamine signaling, simulating release, 
diffusion, uptake, and receptor binding to uncover the structure of 
dopamine “landscapes” in health and disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease). 
The aim is to bridge this mechanistic modeling with dopamine’s cognitive 
functions in action selection, behavioral flexibility, and reinforcement 
learning.

⸻

Your profile:
     •    Master’s degree in computational neuroscience, computer 
science, (bio-)physics, or a related field
     •    Strong programming skills (Python, C/C++)
     •    Interest in biophysical models of neural systems and 
data-driven neuroscience
     •    Team-minded, self-motivated, and fluent in English

We offer:
     •    A 3-year position (75%, TV-L E13) with the opportunity to 
pursue a PhD in Computer Science
     •    An interdisciplinary and collaborative environment within the 
RUB’s thriving Faculty of Computer Science (https://informatik.rub.de/en/)
     •    Research integration in the Institute for Neural Computation 
(https://www.ini.rub.de) and the research building THINK 
(https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/think/)
     •    Access to high-performance computing resources, mentoring, and 
career development support

⸻

Application:
Send a single PDF including your CV, transcript(s), short statement of 
interest, and contact info for 1–2 referees to:
robert.schmidt at rub.de

The application deadline is the 15th July, 2025.

-- 
Prof. Dr. Robert Schmidt
Neural Data Science
www.ini.rub.de/the_institute/people/robert-schmidt/

Institute for Neural Computation
Faculty of Computer Science
Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Universitätsstr. 150
44801 Bochum, Germany