Applications are invited for a PhD student position in the Department of Physiology in the University of Bern (Switzerland). The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation grant entitled “Normative theory of synaptic plasticity across multiple time scales”. The PhD student will be supervised by Jean-Pascal Pfister in the Computational Neuroscience Lab (headed by W. Senn).
The aim of the project is to develop theoretical models of short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity. We are particularly interested in biologically plausible models of synaptic plasticity that are derived from first principles. The project will involve collaborations with both experimental lab (in particular the lab of R. Hahnloser , University of Zurich / ETHZ, Switzerland) and theory lab (in particular with M. Lengyel, University of Cambridge, UK).
The Department of Physiology in Bern offers an ideal environment for studying Computational Neuroscience due to the presence of both experimental group (T. Nevian) as well as theory group (W. Senn).
Candidates should hold a Diplom/Master degree in Physics, Mathematics, Machine learning, Computational Neuroscience or related field with a strong analytical background and demonstrate interest in theoretical neuroscience. Preference will be given to candidates with good programming skills.
The position is offered for a period of three years, starting on the 1st of October 2011 at the earliest time. Salary scale is provided by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Applicants should submit (by email) a CV, a statement of research interests, 2 reference letters, marks obtained for the Diploma/Master, abstract of the Diploma/Master to Jean-Pascal Pfister (pfister@pyl.unibe.ch) before the 15th of September 2011.