Connectionists: 2 PhD positions for 4 years with focus on "Generative Episodic Memory" with Prof. Laurenz Wiskott, Germany, Bochum

[Laurenz Wiskott]

>From https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/854eabcb1786fa8b53af20c255cd9aeadb5dfc4e1?ref=homepage

Faculty of Computer Science :
Chair: Theory of Neural Systems

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) at the
earliest possible date, we are looking for 2 2 Research associates (m/f/x) for 4 years
with focus on "Generative Episodic Memory"

The Institute for Neural Computation is a central research institute at the
Ruhr-University Bochum, see https://www.ini.rub.de/. It focuses on the dynamics and
learning of perception and behavior on a functional level but is otherwise very diverse,
ranging from neurophysiology and psychophysics over computational neuroscience to machine
learning and technical applications.

The research focuses on (i) modeling generative episodic memory in close collaboration with experimental partners, with the goal of modeling experimental data and gaining a deeper understanding of memory processes; (ii) developing a hierarchical model of the visual system that supports a generative memory process. The first project will focus primarily on standard machine learning methods, such as Transformers. The second project aims to develop new methods inspired by the brain.

Scope: 	  part-time (75%)
Duration: fixed-term, 4 Jahre
Start:    at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-09-14

Your tasks:

    (i) Further development of an existing system model of generative episodic memory in light of various experimental results.
    (ii) Development of a brain-inspired hierarchical model of the visual system that supports distributed generative memory processes.
    Modeling of experimental data.
    Communication with experimental partners.
    Publication of results.
    Teaching assistance equivalent to 3 SWS, in particular conducting a Python course and supervising student/Bachelor/Master projects.

Your profile:

Requirements:

    Very good Master degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related field.
    Interest in interdisciplinary research in the area of neuroscience.
    Good programming and mathematical skills.
    Basic knowledge in machine learning.


Advantageous:

    Experience in modeling.
    Experience in interdisciplinary projects.
    Programming skills in Python.

We offer:

    Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
    Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
    Extensive training and professional development opportunities

    An interesting interdisciplinary environment in the field of theoretical brain research / machine learning.
    Freedom to shape the project yourself.
    Infrastructure that facilitates close integration into the institute and the research group.
    Opportunity to pursue a Ph.D.

Further information:

    The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder
    (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee
    will receive pay grade E 13 TV-L.

    Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

    The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

    The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of
    Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).

    Applications (CV, transcript of records for MSc and Bsc, letter of motivation) should be sent as a single pdf file.

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are
German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness
to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for
employees.

German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field
of German as a Foreign Language
(DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en

The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the
request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire
procedure. Please contact wpr at rub.de.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing
the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and
students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To
create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s
declared aim.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this
reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to
promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective
professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from
women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the
case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals
with disabilities are most welcome.  Contact persons for further information:

Prof. Dr. Laurenz Wiskott Tel.: +49 234 32 27997
Kathleen Schmidt Tel.: +49 234 32 27051

Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job
interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal at
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/jobposting/854eabcb1786fa8b53af20c255cd9aeadb5dfc4e1/apply?ref=homepage
by 2026-09-14. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6046.