[Comp-neuro] PhD position in Computational Neuroscience / Bernstein Center Berlin / Germany

[Martin Nawrot]

PhD position in Computational Neuroscience: modeling object recognition 
and decision making

The Theoretical Neuroscience group at the Freie Universität Berlin and 
the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin opens a PhD 
position in Computational Neuroscience within the collaborative research 
center 'Theoretical Biology' (Sonderforschungsbereich 618).

In this project we investigate object recognition and decision making in 
small neural networks. Using the auditory system of the cricket as a 
model system we ask how an auditory object is recognized, evaluated, and 
how a behavioral decision is formed. Our approach employs models of 
collecting sensory evidence and forming decisions at different levels of 
abstraction. In the collaborating experimental lab, an experimental PhD 
student performs the behavioral and electrophysiological experiments 
needed to constrain the modeling approaches. Ultimately, we want to 
represent the computation performed in a small network such as the 
cricket's central brain in a functional neural network model.

The successful candidate will have a solid theoretical background and a 
strong interest in neural information processing. Experience with 
abstract modeling of information processing and/or computational neural 
network modeling, and experience with the analysis of neural data will 
be of advantage. The candidate is expected to closely interact with his 
experimental counterpart.

The PhD candidate will be part of a young and interdisciplinary team 
with strong competences in neural data analysis and modeling of neural 
information processing. The collaborative research center and the 
Bernstein Center Berlin provide a stimulating and outstanding scientific 
environment for computational systems neuroscience. PhD students can 
participate in the PhD program of the Bernstein Center and the Graduate 
School Sensory Computation. The appointment will be temporary until June 
2013.

Applications including a cover letter (reference code: SFB 1201), a 
curriculum vitae, and copies of relevant qualifications should be sent 
in electronic form to martin.nawrot at fu-berlin.de, or in paper form to

Prof. Martin Nawrot
Neuroinformatics and Theoretical Neuroscience
Institute of Biology
Freie Universität Berlin
Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3
D - 14195 Berlin

Applications received before April 12, 2010 will be assured full 
consideration.


http://www.biologie.fu-berlin.de/neuroinformatik/index.html


The Freie Universität Berlin strives to increase the percentage of 
female employees in the field of science and encourages applications 
from female candidates. Handicapped applicants will be given preference 
in the case of equal qualifications.

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 Prof. Martin Paul Nawrot
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 Neuroinformatik                   |  Bernstein Center for
                                   |  Computational Neuroscience Berlin
 Freie Universitaet Berlin         |
 Department of Neurobiology        |  www.bccn-berlin.de
 Institute of Biology              |
 Koenigin Luise Str. 1-3           |
 14195 Berlin                      |
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 fon: +49 (0)30 838 566 92         |
 fax: +49 (0)30 838 566 86         |
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 www.fu-berlin.de/neuroinformatik  |

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