Open Positions
Ph.D. position in biophysical models of reinforcement learning in the fruit fly
Ph.D. position
GGNB doctoral programs:
Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience (PTCN)
or Physics of Biological and Complex Systems (PBCS)
or Systems Neurosciences (CSN)
PIs/groups: Florentin Wörgötter
Institution: Inst. of Physics 3, Computational Neuroscience, Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience
Topic:
Biophysical models of reinforcement learning in the fruit fly (collaborative, interdisciplinary project bridging experimental neurobiology (optical imaging and behavioral experiments) and theoretical neuroscience (computational modeling), in close interaction Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Department of Molecular Neurobiology of Behavior (Prof. A. Fiala).
Open from: - 9/2010 (negotiable) -
Funding: - dependent on the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience -
Specific information:
Similar to far more complex organism, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is able to perform “learning from rewards or punishments” commonly called reinforcement learning. In this project we investigate the role of modulatory, dopaminergic neurons in such associative learning and memory functions. It involves two parts. On the one hand, behavioral learning experiments and optical imaging experiments in combination with optogenetic manipulation of neuronal function will be performed (Fiala). On the other hand – and this concerns the position offered here – theoretical models of associative learning will be developed and tested based on existing models developed in the group of Wörgötter.
We seek a motivated PhD student who is interested in an interdisciplinary project, performing computational modeling of this system and who is also interested in the behavioral experimental basis of this. Experience with Drosophila neurobiology as well as theoretical neuroscience would be of advantage. Good programming skills are required. We provide a lively, stimulating and well equipped scientific environment.
Contact and further information:
Prof. Dr. Florentin Wörgötter
Georg-August-University Göttingen
Inst. of Physics 3,
Computational Neuroscience,
Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience
Friedrich Hund Platz 1
D-37077 Göttingen
worgott@bccn-goettingen.de
http://www.bccn-goettingen.de/Groups/GroupCN
Ph.D. position in spatio-temporal coding and imprinting in the olfactory system
The Bernstein-Center for Computational Neuroscience, Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, and Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization invite applications for a
PhD Position
in the field of spatio-temporal coding and imprinting in the Drosophila olfactory system (collaborative, interdisciplinary project bridging neurobiology, time series analysis, and mathematical modeling)
The project involves three parts: neurobiological experiments, nonlinear time series analysis, mathematical modeling. On the one hand, we are using optical calcium imaging in Drosophila to visualize spatio-temporal representations of odor-evoked activity in the Drosophila brain. By the expression of transgenes designed to manipulate neuronal activity artificially we aim at modulating neuronal representations of odor information and describing behavioral effects. On the other hand, the acquired data will be systematically analysed by modern methods and used for computational modeling of the antennal lobe network structure and function.
We seek a motivated PhD student who is interested in an interdisciplinary project, performing optophysiological experiments and ideally also computational analysis and modeling. Experience with Drosophila neurobiology as well as theoretical neuroscience would be of advantage. We provide a lively, stimulating and well equipped scientific environment.
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Marc Timme Network Dynamics Group
Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Bunsenstr. 10
37073 Göttingen, Germany
http://www.nld.ds.mpg.de
e-mail: timme@nld.ds.mpg.de
tel.: +49-551-5176-440
Prof. Dr. André Fiala
Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach-Institute for Zoology and Anthropology
Georg-August-University Göttingen
Molecular Neurobiology of Behaviour
c/o European Neuroscience Institute
Grisebachstr. 5, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/96474.html
e-mail: afiala@gwdg.de
tel.: +49-551-39-3356
Postdoc positions Cognitive Neuroscience Lab / Sensorimotor Group (DPZ)
The Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Prof. Stefan Treue and the Sensorimotor Group of Dr. Alexander Gail at the German Primate Center (DPZ) in Göttingen, Germany, invite applications for Postdoc positions.
Research in our laboratories focuses on the neural basis of visual attention, visual motion perception, sensorimotor processing, and neuroprosthetics. We focus on extracellular recordings from primate cortex and human psychophysics, but also use functional imaging and computational neural modeling (www.dpz.eu/cnl and www.dpz.eu/smg).
As part of the Center for System Neuroscience (CSN) and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) we offer a stimulating, multi-disciplinary research environment with a strong background in both, experimental and computational neuroscience.
Postdoc applicants should have relevant experience in system neuroscience research.
Applications should include a cover letter, short CV, list of publications, university certificates, and names (incl. contact info) of 2-3 possible references. Please send your application to application-cnl@dpz.eu (preferably as PDF document).
The German Primate Center is an equal opportunity employer.
PhD positions Cognitive Neuroscience Lab / Sensorimotor Group (DPZ)
The Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Prof. Stefan Treue and the Sensorimotor Group of Dr. Alexander Gail at the German Primate Center (DPZ) in Göttingen, Germany, invite applications for several open and fully funded PhD positions (www.dpz.eu/index.php?id=157&L=1).
Research in our laboratories focuses on the neural basis of visual attention, visual motion perception, sensorimotor processing, and neuroprosthetics. We focus on extracellular recordings from primate cortex and human psychophysics, but also use functional imaging and computational neural modeling (www.dpz.eu/index.php?id=91 and www.dpz.eu/smg).
As part of the Center for System Neuroscience (CSN) and the Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience (BCCN) we offer a stimulating, multi-disciplinary research environment with a strong background in both, experimental and computational neuroscience. Students can choose among multiple PhD programs of the Georg August University School of Science (GAUSS).
We look for highly motivated students with a strong interest in system neuroscience. A degree in neuroscience, physics, engineering, biology, psychology, or related fields is required. Experience in programming is of significant advantage.
Applications should include a cover letter, short CV, list of publications, university certificates, and names (incl. contact info) of 2-3 possible references. Please send your application to application-cnl@dpz.eu (preferably as PDF document).
The German Primate Center is an equal opportunity employer.