PhD position (m/f/d) in computational neuroscience (PhD 02/24)

Job Code: PhD 02/24

Job Offer from January 30, 2024

The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig is an internationally leading research institute of the Max Planck Society and is dedicated to the study of human cognition, functional brain processes and neuroanatomy.

The Neural Computation Group (NCG, PI Dr. Andrej Bicanski) offers a PhD position (65% TVöD13) for a doctoral candidate in computational neuroscience.

The position is primarily centred around the exploration of the computational mechanisms underlying retrosplenial cortex and the subiculum, with an emphasis on spatial representations (e.g., head direction, boundary coding), and how these neural representations are involved in long-term memory, and navigation. This aim is broadly construed and there is scope to align with the candidate's interests.

The role will involve extensive computational modelling at various levels of abstraction, and potentially data analysis of single neuron recordings.

The project with also benefit from external collaborators with regards to boundary coding (Colin Lever, Durham University) and retrosplenial cortex (Cheng Wang, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology).

Prerequisites are outstanding records in a relevant area of neuroscience. A strong quantitative background in the natural sciences, mathematics, computer science or engineering is also suitable (e.g., coming from physics, mathematics, electrical engineering etc.). Excellent programming skills (Python, Matlab) are required.

The candidate will be embedded in the newly formed Neural Computation Group at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, and the Department of Psychology, with the opportunity for fruitful collaboration with colleagues performing human cognitive neuroscience experiments, (e.g., with the Doeller Lab in the same department).

Starting date: as early as possible and applications will be considered until the position is filled. The duration of the position is three years. Salary depends on experience and is based on regulations of the Max Planck Society.

The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Leipzig is a vibrant city that has been called “Germany’s new cultural hot spot” by the Guardian and listed as one of the 52 places to go in 2020 by the New York Times. It has a long-standing history of classical music, academic education, and—more recently—modern arts. With its many parks, forests, canals and lakes, Leipzig is a perfect place for recreation, sports, and leisure time. It is located a one-hour train ride south of Berlin.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application (reference number "PhD 02/24"). The application should include a cover letter and personal statement, CV including a list of publications if applicable, and contact details of two referees.

Further information about the Neural Computation Group , on Github  or contact Dr. Andrej Bicanski: [email protected] .