For the Max Planck Research Group of Viola Priesemann at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization we seek to fill  two PhD or PostDoc Positions (m/f/d) on Computational Neuroscience.

Our group investigates learning and self-regulation in neural and social networks. By putting both side-by-side, we carve out the principles of self-regulation in living networks. The PhD projects are open topic. If you are interested to understand the principles or implementation of learning in living systems in the wider context of efficient coding, plasticity mechanisms, or control theory, and if you find interest in part of our past work (e.g. [1-5]), we welcome your application. In our group, we combine approaches from statistical physics, data science, control theory, and information theory. Potential collaborations with our colleagues from theory and experiment e.g. in Göttingen, Bonn, Tübingen, or Oxford are possible and encouraged.

Your profile

We are looking for creative, enthusiastic, and motivated researchers to join our team. The position requires a strong interest in either analytical approaches or modeling or analysis of neural systems. For the position, you should hold a Master’s (or PhD) in quantitative sciences, e.g., physics, neuroscience, data science, mathematics, machine learning, engineering, or related fields. A background in computational neuroscience, system's theory, or Bayesian inference is a plus, but not required. While the team is mainly rooted in physics, we also look with interest at applications of candidates with other backgrounds. The language for our communications is English; thus, fluency in both written and spoken English is required. German language skills are not required. For us, the central input from our members are their creativity and enthusiasm, and their genuine interest in tackling their research question. Embedded in our interdisciplinary team, we work together at carving out how to tackle your question and work jointly towards its solution. We warmly welcome applications from people of any background, and together with everyone, female candidates are encouraged to apply! For the PostDoc, we offer opportunities to teach, supervise students, and build your own profile.

Your application

Please send your application to: application.priesemann@ds.mpg.de with the subject line containing "PhD Application Computational Neuroscience". The application should contain a single pdf with your motivation letter, CV, transcript of records, and contacts of up to three referees.

The group is part of the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, the University of Göttingen, and the Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging. The Max Planck Institute focuses on complex systems, statistical physics and active matter, with both experimental and theoretical approaches, and employs about 300 people. It is embedded in a university town with 28.000 students across all disciplines. The Göttingen Campus has their overarching research foci in living networks, sustainability and dynamics of change, and includes four Max-Planck-Institutes, the German Primate Center, the Campus Institutes for Data Science and the Campus Center for Dynamics of Biological Networks.

Our offer                                               

We are offering excellent working conditions in a highly international and interdisciplinary research environment. We provide fertile grounds and guidance to follow your research interest and curiosity.

The PhD positions are initially limited to three years, with the possibility of extension. The salary and working hours are in accordance with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for junior scientists. The salary is 2/3 of E13 TVÖD-Bund. Furthermore, we offer programs regarding work-life balance as well as health promotion services. In close collaboration with the Georg-August-University, a structured PhD program is offered in the graduate program of the Physics Department, or in the graduate program on Physics of Biological and Complex Systems. The starting date is flexible.

The PostDoc positions are open for three plus three years, in accordance with federal regulations. The salary and working hours are in accordance with the funding guidelines of the Max Planck Society for PostDocs. The salary is E13 TVÖD-Bund. Furthermore, we offer programs regarding work-life balance as well as health promotion services. The Max Planck Society and the Göttingen Campus offer structured mentoring programs and career development courses. Participation in teaching and supervision as well as the acquisition of additional funding is not necessary, but supported and welcome. The starting date is flexible.

The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

Applications will be accepted until February 10, 2023 (first position) and April 30, 2023 (second position), or until the positions are filled.

By sending your application you consent with sharing your application details with the selection team.

References:

[1] Zierenberg, Wilting & Priesemann, PRX 2018

[2] Mikulasch, Rudelt & Priesemann,PNAS 2021

[3] Jaehne et al., Cell Reports, 2021

[4] Rowland et al., biorxiv, 2021

[5] Mikulasch, Rudelt, Wibral & Priesemann, TINS 2022

Should you have any questions, please visit our website or please contact:

Prof. Dr. Viola Priesemann

application.priesemann@ds.mpg.de

Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization
Prof. Dr. Viola Priesemann
Am Faßberg 17
37077 Göttingen
Germany