PhD position in Neural computation and dynamics group

RESEARCHER PROFILE: PhD / R1: First stage Researcher                        

RESEARCH FIELD(S)1: neural dynamics, neural coding, memory & learning, biophysics of the neuron, flexible behavior

MAIN SUB RESEARCH FIELD OR DISCIPLINES1: Biology – Neuroscience- Animal Biology & Ethology, Computer Science - Machine Learning

JOB /OFFER DESCRIPTION 

A Ph.D. position in computational neuroscience is available in the Neural computation and dynamics lab of Lorenzo Fontolan at the Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED) in Marseille, France. The project is funded by the Turing Centre for Living Systems (CENTURI) at Aix-Marseille University. 

The selected candidates will develop computational models of brain circuits and/or cutting-edge analysis tools for the analysis of neural data, drawing inspiration from dynamical systems, physics, statistics, and machine learning. Research questions can be chosen from a range of topics – such as neural dynamics, neural coding, memory & learning, biophysics of the neuron – with a particular emphasis on explaining flexible behavior.

TYPE OF CONTRACT: TEMPORARY / JOB STATUS: FULL TIME / HOURS PER WEEK 35h

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 01/01/2024 & TIME 09:00

ENVISAGED STARTING DATE: 01/01/2024

ENVISAGED DURATION: 36 months

JOB NOT FUNDED THROUGH AN EU RESEARCH FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME

WORK LOCATION(S): INMED - Institut de neurobiologie de la méditerranée, 163 Av. de Luminy, 13009 Marseille

WHAT WE OFFER:

The position is funded by The Turing Center for Living Systems (CENTURI), an interdisciplinary center that aims at deciphering the complexity of biological systems and federates researchers from 20 different research institutes in biology, physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering. 

CENTURI offers a vibrant, highly interactive working environment with the ability to work with researchers and engineers from many disciplines.

CENTURI offers a three-year contract from Aix-Marseille University. The salary will be based on Aix-Marseille University’s salary scale.

The position would ideally start in early 2024, considering the administrative times to enroll in the doctoral school (approximately 2-3 months).

The recruited PhD will conduct their project at the Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée.

Inmed, which accommodates more than 130 international researchers, is located inside the beautiful Luminy site of the Parc National des Calanques (Marseille). The Neural computation and dynamics lab is also affiliated with the Center for Theoretical Physics which is also located here in Marseille. The lab collaborates with local and international research groups employing advanced experimental techniques such as calcium imaging, optogenetics, and in vivo electrophysiology.

Additional information: The Euraxess Center of Aix-Marseille Université informs foreign visiting professors, researchers, postdoc and PhD candidates about the administrative steps to be undertaken prior to arrival at AMU and the various practical formalities to be completed once in France: visas and entry requirements, insurance, help finding accommodation, support in opening a bank account, etc. More information on AMU EURAXESS Portal 

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIRED RESEARCH FIELDS, REQUIRED EDUCATION LEVEL, PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, OTHER RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS

Candidates with backgrounds in physics, mathematics, statistics, machine learning, computer science, and engineering are welcome to apply. The candidate should possess good mathematical and coding skills.

Soft skills: Autonomy, Teamwork, Excellent (written and oral) communication skills in English are required. Knowledge of French is not required

REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OF APPLICATION, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, SELECTION PROCESS

Candidates should send a CV, a statement of motivation and interests, transcripts of undergraduate and masters grades, and expected date of availability with the subject line "Ph.D. application". 

Please also arrange for two letters of recommendations to be sent to lorenzo.fontolan@inserm.fr .

More information at: https://centuri-livingsystems.org/recruitment/ 

HOW TO APPLY: Please send all the documents to the PI lorenzo.fontolan@inserm.fr .