Your Job:
This PhD project aims at relating precisely timed spike constellations across subsets of neurons to low-dimensional manifolds of high-dimensional space of population neuronal firing rates. Thus neuronal experimental data are to be analyzed for both aspects by PCA analysis and statistical multivariate methods to extract spatio-temporal spike patterns. Finally both results will be linked and related in space and time and to behavioral events.
Core Tasks:
1. Getting familiar with the experimental data and the concepts of neuronal coding, and Elephant
2. Analysis of the parallel rate data for submanifolds and their temporal dynamics during behavior
3. Leverage dimensionality reduction and regression models to isolate task-related submanifolds and their respective role for sensory processing and task performance
4. Analysis of the data to identify higher-order spike correlations and their temporal dynamics
5. Are there particular manifold transition points and is their timing related to the occurrence of specific spike correlation patterns and animal behaviors?
6. Further extend the results on the contributions of specific cortical layers and neural activity in various brain regions. Are task-specific submanifolds or spike correlation patterns limited to local neural circuits or span across brain regions?
7. Set up a network model to reproduce the main results and provide potential neuronal mechanisms. Existing recordings with optogenetic inactivation could be leveraged to causally verify or reject important model predictions
8. Writing of the thesis and publication about the relation of experimental data and model results
Your Profile:
9. A Masters degree with a strong academic background in physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field
10. Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, C++, …)
11. Experience in neuroscience is an advantage
12. Good analytical skills with a sound understanding of data evaluation.
13. Good organisational skills and ability to work systematically, independently and collaboratively
14. Effective communication skills and an interest in contributing to a highly international and interdisciplinary team
15. Motivation for academic development, supported by bachelor’s and master’s transcripts and two reference letters
16. Working proficiency in English for daily communication and professional contexts (TOEFL or equivalent or excemption required)
17. Knowledge of German is beneficial
Our Offer:
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! This HDS-LEE PhD position will be located at Forschungszentrum Jülich and RWTH Aachen University. We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
18. World class science environment at the interface between neuroscience and digital technologies, enabling scientific progress on the most complex known systems
19. Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
20. A highly motivated group as well as an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
21. Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisors
22. Chance of participating in (international) conferences
23. Unique HDS-LEE graduate school program (including data science courses, soft skill courses and annual retreats)
24. 30 days of annual leave (depending on agreed working time arrangements) and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends ( between Christmas and New Year)
25. A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
26. Further development of your personal strengths, through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors:
27. Targeted services for international employees, through our International Advisory Service
The position is for a fixed term of 3+1 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Pay higher than the basic pay may be possible. The monthly salaries in euro can be found on the BMI website: