Research Assistant / Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience (f/m/d)

The Computational Neurophysics lab at the University of Bremen headed by Dr. Udo Ernst offers at the earliest date possible:

Research Assistant / Postdoc in Computational Neuroscience (f/m/d)

German federal pay scale EG13 TV-L (100 %)

limited for 3 years (according to § 2 WissZeitVG)

How to be flexible – organizing and optimizing task-dependent information processing in the visual system

In this project we want to study organization and optimization of flexible information processing in neural networks, with specific focus on the visual system. You will use

• network modelling,

• numerical simulation,

• and mathematical analysis

to investigate fundamental aspects of flexible computation such as task-dependent coordination of multiple brain areas for efficient information processing, as well as the emergence of flexible circuits originating from learning schemes which simultaneously optimize for function and flexibility.

These studies will be complemented by biophysically realistic modelling and data analysis in collaboration with experimental work done in the lab of Prof. Dr. Andreas Kreiter, also at the University of Bremen. Here we will investigate selective attention as a central aspect of flexibility in the visual system, involving task-dependent coordination of multiple visual areas.

Requirements:

Ideal candidates will have a completed academic university degree (Master’s/University Diploma) in computational neuroscience, physics, computer science or related fields. A doctorate in this field would be a positive addition to the application. There is the possibility of further qualification. Applicants must have a strong background in neural networks, dynamical systems, mathematics and/or data analysis, and experience in programming (we use Python in our lab). Above all, you must be highly motivated, responsible, have a strong desire to learn and be able to work proactively in an international research environment. Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required.

The Computational Neurophysics Lab offers a good working atmosphere, direct involvement in international research and attractive facilities. You will have the opportunity to link your research to a wide range of other topics being studied in our lab, such as collective dynamics in neural systems, information processing in deep spiking networks, and the development of visual cortex prostheses.

General hints:

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue international scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are firmly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to

dare new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe and in the world.

The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

As the University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.

For questions of the research project please contact:

Dr. Udo Ernst, E-Mail: apply.job.24330389@hokifyjob.com

For general information on this topic, see also:

https://www.uni-bremen.de/ernstlab

Detailed instructions for applicants

Your application must comprise:

Motivation letter

Your 1–2-page essay should address the following questions:

• What is your background? What areas have you worked in previously, and how do you think this will help you in this role?

• What attracts you to computational neuroscience?

• What computational neuroscience problem(s) are you most interested in?

• What is your motivation for joining our project?

• What are your plans for your future career?

• When will you definitely be able to begin?

Curriculum Vitae

Send a tabular CV with your contact details, and all stages of education and employment.

List of skills, awards, publications

List your skills, especially language skills (including level of proficiency), that you think might be useful for the job. Also list any awards you have received and any peer-reviewed publications, if you have any.

Contact details of two academic references

One of the referees should be your PhD and/or MSc supervisor. Please inform your referees before listing their names so that they are not surprised when we contact them.

You can apply in English or German, whichever language you are more comfortable with.

Please explicitly address each of the specified requirements in your application (see detailed instructions below), and send your application documents until 07.10.2024 by indicating the job id A007-24 to

Universität Bremen

Institut für Theoretische Physik

Frau Agnes Janssen

Hochschulring 18

D-28359 Bremen

or as one PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: apply.job.24330389@hokifyjob.com

We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents, as we cannot return them. They will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.