PhD Candidate for Numerical and Computational Analysis for Mathematical Neuroscience (0.8 - 1.0 FTE)

• Employment: 0.8 - 1.0 FTE
• Gross monthly salary: € 2,434 - € 3,111
• Faculty of Science
• Required background: Research University Degree
• Application deadline: 29 October 2021

Do you have a passion for numerical methods? And do you want to make an impact in a novel application for the neurosciences? As a PhD Candidate, you will work on a project that intersects mathematical neuroscience and computational mathematics with fellow researchers from Radboud University and VU Amsterdam. 

This project lies at the intersection of mathematical neuroscience and computational mathematics. We will analyse and implement numerical methods for spatio-temporal patterns in a novel class of neural field models with stochastic forcing and relate neural models to data from Prof. Battaglia's group in the Donders Institute.

You will be supervised by Prof. Gabriel Lord at Radboud University and we will collaborate closely with Dr Daniele Avitabile at VU Amsterdam. The ideal candidate for this project has a passion for numerical methods (numerical analysis, stochastics and scientific computing) and is keen to make an impact in a novel application for the neurosciences. Previous knowledge of neuroscience or stochastic simulation are not a prerequisite, but an interest in learning about these areas is essential.

As a PhD candidate, you will also have some limited teaching duties (10%). This entails serving as a teaching assistant in Bachelor's and Master's courses during the first three years. You will be free from teaching duties in the final fourth year.

Women and other under represented PhD candidates are especially encouraged to apply as we strive for equal representation.

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in Mathematics or are on track to obtain one before the start of the project.
• You have experience in numerical analysis and programming as evidenced by courses taken and/or your Master's thesis. A background in stochastics and/or neuroscience is welcome, but not a necessary requirement.
• You have good written and oral communication skills.
• You should be able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You are motivated, enthusiastic, proactive and willing to learn.

We are

The Department of Mathematics has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It has a good balance of senior and junior staff, as well as of Dutch and international researchers. There are regular research seminars as well as a number of informal events throughout the year. The Applied Mathematics group has research interests in diverse areas such as numerical analysis, uncertainty quantification, applied analysis, or mathematical biology. The Department of Mathematics is part of the Institute for Mathematics, Astrophysics and Particle Physics of the Faculty of Science. This PhD project has close links to the Donders Institute  and will be conducted in collaboration with Dr Daniele Avitabile from VU Amsterdam.

PhD candidates at Radboud University are provided with many opportunities for continuous development, support during their PhD, and assistance in finding a job afterwards (in academia or in industry). See here for more information. The PhD Organisation Nijmegen (PON) organises educational and social activities, especially focusing on the wellbeing of PhD candidates.
Radboud University
We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 24,000 students and 5,600 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!
We offer

• Employment for 0,8 (5 year contract) -1,0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,434 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,111 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P ).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services . Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions . You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.
Would you like more information?

For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Gabriel Lord at [email protected] .

Practical information and applications
You can apply until 29 October 2021, exclusively using the button below. Kindly address your application to Gabriel Lord. Please fill in the application form and attach the following documents:

• Letter of motivation.
• CV including the contact details of your Master's thesis supervisor and one other referee.
• An abstract or copy of your Master's thesis (whether or not already completed).
• Your academic transcript of records.

The first round of interview will take place on 11 November.
We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It offers a rough outline of what you can expect during the application process, how we handle your personal data and how we deal with internal and external candidates.

We drafted this vacancy to find and hire our new colleague ourselves. Recruitment agencies are kindly requested to refrain from responding.