PhD position in Computational Neuroscience

Engineering        ·        Enschede      ·      Full time

Job Description

We invite applications for a PhD position in Computational Neuroscience.

This PhD project will address ion dynamics at the tripartite synapse during ischaemic stress. Several groups measure different aspects of the same experimental model within a large research consortium. We have combined these data on different ions and neuronal activity into a first comprehensive biophysical model describing how ion concentrations change from normal to pathological levels. Model simulations explain observations of various experiments in one holistic view; see https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009019 and https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2021.735300. Also, they suggest new experiments and therapeutic strategies. Despite this first model, there are many outstanding questions about how synaptic transmission and ion transport are affected during ischaemia. Your task is to advance our existing model of the tripartite synapse by incorporating newly acquired experimental data. Using biophysical modelling, computational neuroscience and dynamical systems theory, you will deepen our understanding of ischaemic stress on synaptic transmission.

You will work under the supervision of dr. Hil Meijer (Mathematics of Imaging and AI, MIA) and prof.dr. Michel van Putten (Clinical Neurophysiology). You will be based in the MIA-group headed by prof. Christoph Brune at the department of Applied Mathematics. There is ample opportunity to collaborate with experimentalists through the research unit FOR 2795 led by prof. dr. Christine Rose (Duesseldorf). The position also involves some teaching tasks.

Requirements

• You hold a Master’s degree in (applied) mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering or a related field.
• You are motivated to dive into biological questions using computational models, and you have excellent analytical skills, particularly computational science and/or programming.
• Furthermore, you are proficient in English, and you are able to communicate your work in an interdisciplinary field.

Conditions Of Employment

• As a PhD student at UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.443,- (first year) to € 3.122,- (fourth year);
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;
• We encourage a high degree of responsibility and independence, while collaborating with close colleagues, researchers and other staff.

Department

In the chair MIA, we combine a data-driven approach to applications with our strong research in dynamical systems, scientific computing and deep learning. We develop and analyse new models for experimental data and mathematical tools to understand their properties.

For more information about MIA, click here.

Additional Information

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the ‘Apply now’ button below until June 30, and include:

• an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position;
• a detailed CV including a list of BSc and MSc courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications;
• A short description of your MSc thesis/final project.
• References (contact information) of two people (including your MSc supervisor) willing to provide a recommendation letter upon our request.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Hil Meijer (h.g.e.meijer@utwente.nl)

Please click here to apply.