[Comp-neuro] Two fully funded PhD fellowships (Early Stage Researcher) in Computational Neuroscience

Two fully funded PhD fellowships (Early Stage Researcher) in Computational Neuroscience

 

1. Emergence of collective dynamics in scale-free neuronal networks    (ESR14)

 

2. Measures of spike train synchrony    (ESR15)

 

within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network - 'Neural Engineering Transformative Technologies' (NETT) at the Institute of Complex Systems (ISC), CNR, Florence, Italy.

 

Gross Salary per annum:  42,028 € (Living Allowance) plus 9,290 - 13,272 € (Mobility Allowance) depending on circumstances

 

Required titles:  MSc in Physics, Mathematics or Engineering

 

Applications: The applications should be prepared and send as detailed on this webpage.

 

Closing date for both positions: 1 September 2012

 

 

Applications are invited for the above posts to work with Dr. Alessandro Torcini and Dr. Thomas Kreuz in the Computational neuroscience group at ISC, Florence. This world leading group combines theoretical investigations (e.g., on nontrivial collective phenomena in neuronal populations) with practical applications (e.g., spike train analysis). The group is one of the main participants in the Center for the Study of Complex Dynamics (CSDC) created with the purpose of coordinating interdisciplinary training and research activities. CSDC researchers include physicists, control engineers, mathematicians, biologists and psychologists. Both full-time posts are available from 1^st of January 2013 and will be offered on a fixed-term contract for a period of 36 months.

 

The two successful candidates will register for a 3 year PhD degree at the University of Florence in Information Technology, Systems and Telecommunication (Course on Nonlinear Dynamics and Complex Systems). Candidates must be in the first 4 years of their research careers and not been awarded a doctorate degree. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in mathematical and computational neuroscience. As part of our commitment to promoting diversity we encourage applications from women. To comply with the Marie Curie Actions rule for mobility applicants must not have resided, worked or studied in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to Sept 2012. The fellowships will include international internships so the candidates must be able to move between countries as necessary.

 

1. Marie Curie Actions Early Stage Researcher (PhD fellowship)

 

Emergence of collective dynamics in scale-free neuronal networks   (ESR14)

 

The successful candidate will work within the framework of nonlinear dynamics and computational neuroscience. His/her main task will be the study of the macroscopic and microscopic evolution of neural networks with various topologies. In particular, he/she should analyze the robustness of collective solutions in presence of an external feedback. One of the main tasks will be the development of efficient numerical codes to simulate the networks' dynamics and to develop tools to analyze their macroscopic properties. This fellowship includes a three-month secondment working with either Prof. Stephen Coombes at the School of Mathematical Sciences in Nottingham, UK, or Prof. Jordi Garcia-Ojalvo in the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain. It also includes a three-month internship with the project industrial partner, bioPmed in Piemonte near Turin, Italy.

 

The candidates should have a strong background in at least one of the following fields: nonlinear dynamics, statistical physics or computational neuroscience as well as solid experience in scientific programming (with languages Fortran and/or C).

 

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr. Alessandro Torcini (alessandro.torcini@cnr.it).

 

2. Marie Curie Actions Early Stage Researcher (PhD fellowship)

 

Spike train analysis from neuronal networks   (ESR15)

 

The successful candidate will work within the framework of computational neuroscience and signal processing. His/her main task will be the analysis of electrophysiological data, in particular recordings of single- and multi-unit spike trains as well as local field potentials and EEG all of which will be provided by the international partner institutions. One of the principal objectives will be the improvement of methods to estimate spike train synchrony and in particular the development and extension of a Matlab toolbox for spike train analysis. Furthermore, the candidate will help to adapt other nonlinear time series analysis tools to the specific needs of the collaborating nodes in the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Spain, and the UK. This fellowship includes a three-month secondment to either Dr. Simon Schultz in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London, UK or Prof. Bert Kappen at the Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands. It also includes a three-month internship in the third year with the project industrial partner, bioPmed in Piemonte near Turin, Italy.

 

The candidate should have a strong background in computational neuroscience and  data analysis as well as solid experience in programming (Matlab).

 

Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr. Thomas Kreuz (thomas.kreuz@cnr.it).

Dr. Thomas Kreuz

Istituto dei Sistemi Complessi, CNR
Via Madonna del Piano 10
50119 Sesto Fiorentino (Italy)
Tel: +39-055-522-6630
Cell: +39-349-0748506
Fax: +39-055-522-6683
Email: thomas.kreuz@cnr.it
Webpage: http://www.fi.isc.cnr.it/users/thomas.kreuz/