PhD position in theoretical neurophysics - Allemagne

The Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Göttingen invites
applications for a PhD student position (BATIIa/2) in theoretical
neurophysics.

The successful candidate will use mathematical and computational
modelling to characterize on the encoding of complex sounds in the
auditory system. Key aspects of auditory encoding are determined by
the first stage of auditory neuronal processing, the inner hair cell
ribbon synapse that transforms sound information into neuronal
impulse sequences. This synapse’s precision to code the temporal fine
structure of acoustic stimuli is unparalleled. For example, our
capacity to locate sound sources in space depends on interaural time
differences in the arrival of sound of only a few hundreds of
microseconds. Theoretical studies will address (1) the biophysical
mechanisms that dynamically shape the synaptic encoding of sounds and
(2) the resulting temporally precise coding schemes used by auditory
processing stages in the brain. Modelling will be based on
experimental data obtained by electrophysiological and imaging
approaches.

We are looking for applicants with a first degree in physics,
preferably with prior experience in theoretical physics or
theoretical neuroscience, good computational skills and the ability
to work in an interdisciplinary research team. Prior knowledge of
biophysics and neuroscience is welcome but not required.

The candidate's PhD research will be supported the recently
established Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) in
Göttingen. Göttingen is a center of neuroscience in Europe hosting
numerous internationally recognized neuroscience research
institutions, including three Max Planck Institutes, the European
Neuroscience Institute, the German Primate Research Center, and
Göttingen University's Centers for Systems Neuroscience (ZNV) and for
the Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB). The BCCN integrates
theoretical and experimental research groups from these institutions
to foster interdisciplinary research in computational neuroscience
specifically supporting close collaboration between theorists and
experimental researchers.

Please submit your application preferably in one single PDF-document,
including cover letter, CV, list of publications, names of possible
referees, relevant certificates to: jobs [ à ] bccn-goettingen.de (Subject:
AuditoryTheoNeurohys PhD)

While e-mail is preferred, applications may also be submitted in
hardcopy to the following address:

Dr. Fred Wolf
Subject: AuditoryTheoNeurohys PhD
Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) Göttingen Max-
Planck-Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Bunsenstrasse 10
D - 37073 Göttingen,
Germany

http://www.bccn-goettingen.de

The MPIDS is an equal opportunity employer.