[Comp-neuro] 2 PhD Positions in Computational Neuroscience

2 PhD Positions in Computational Neuroscience

 

Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics / Intelligent Systems

 

There are two fully funded PhD positions available in the recently established Emmy-Noether group on "Sensorimotor Learning and Decision-Making" at the Max-Planck-Institutes for Biological Cybernetics and Intelligent Systems. The group is interested in the mathematical principles underlying intelligent behaviour in biological and artificial systems that pursue their own goals in dynamic and uncertain environments. Unlike playing chess, which has served as a classical paradigm of intelligence, sensorimotor learning and decision-making is an expression of embodied intelligence, a primordial form of intelligence shared amongst all living beings that move. Following this notion of intelligence, we test our hypotheses experimentally in human sensorimotor control using virtual reality technology. The group is also interested in applications that allow sensorimotor learning in robotic devices. Thus, we combine theoretical and experimental approaches. The two PhD positions will be thematically integrated into this research agenda focussing on core problems of intelligent control and adaptation, such as abstraction and structure learning, learning-to-learn, information compression, decentralized and neural control, multi-agent learning, and learning and acting under limited resources for information processing.

 

The PhD positions are paid according to German tariff TVöD E13 50% (ca. €1100,- per month after tax for a single person). The Emmy-Noether group is funded by an excellence programme of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). The setting in the Max-Planck-Institute provides a unique research environment in the picturesque medieval town of Tübingen, Germany. There is ample opportunity to cooperate with laboratories in robotics, neurophysiology, imaging, computational neuroscience and human psychophysics. There will also be opportunities to work with international partners in the UK and USA. The applicants should have a strong mathematical background, hold a degree in natural science, mathematics, economics, psychology, computer science, engineering or similar and have a keen interest in neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

 

The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer: Handicapped individuals are strongly encouraged to apply, and so are women in areas in which they are underrepresented.

 

Candidates should send a CV and a brief statement of interest to Dr Daniel A. Braun daniel.braun@tuebingen.mpg.de

--

Daniel A. Braun, Dr. rer. nat., Dr. phil.
Emmy Noether Research Group Leader
Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics
Spemannstr. 38
72076 Tübingen
Germany

Tel. 0049-7071-601618
Fax 0049-7071-601616
Email daniel.braun@tuebingen.mpg.de
http://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/research/rg/braun