PhD position in computational neuroscience and modeling of salamander spinal locomotor circuits, EPFL, Lausanne Switzerland

The Biorobotics laboratory (Biorob, https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/) at EPFL (Lausanne, Switzerland) has one open PhD student position in computational neuroscience and modeling of salamander spinal locomotor circuits. The position is part of the ERC Synergy Salamandra project that will start in September 2021, together with Prof. Andras Simon (KTH Sweden) and Prof. Dimitri Ryczko (U. Sherbrooke, Canada). See some info here: https://actu.epfl.ch/news/salamanders-provide-a-model-for-spinal-cord-rege-3/

The goals of the position are (i) to develop numerical models and simulations of the locomotor circuits in the spinal cord of the salamander, (ii) to analyze their dynamics when coupled to a simulated mechanical model of the body (interactions between central and peripheral mechanisms), and (iii) to investigate their regenerative properties after spinal cord lesions. The models will be based on integrate-and-fire neuron models. The positions are fully funded for 4 years.

EPFL is one of the leading Institutes of Technology in Europe and offers extremely competitive salaries and research infrastructure.

Requirements:

Candidates need to have a Master degree in a field related to computational neuroscience, e.g. in computer science, neuroscience, or physics. The ideal candidate for this position should have a strong numerical modeling background, good programming skills, good math background (e.g. in dynamical systems), and interest in locomotion and robotics.

How to apply for the position:

Step 1: The position is only open to applicants who have been accepted by the EPFL doctoral school (see http://phd.epfl.ch/). The first step is therefore to fill the applications for one of the relevant EPFL doctoral programs in neuroscience, or related fields (e.g. computer science or robotics).

Step 2: In parallel to step 1, or once accepted by one of the doctoral programs (please specify which doctoral program and the date of acceptance), the application to the position should be sent by email to Prof. Auke Ijspeert and consist of a motivation letter (explaining why you are interested in the project, and why you feel qualified for it) and a copy of the doctoral program application.

Informal inquiries about the relevance of an application can be sent to auke.ijspeert at epfl.ch (e.g. before or while submitting an application to the doctoral school), but responses can be slow because of a heavy schedule and a filled mail box.

Deadline and starting date:

The ideal starting date is September 2021 (with some flexibility). Applications will be considered starting from May 31 2021, and then continuously until the positions are filled.

Instructions to apply can be found here: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/biorob/openings/

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Prof Auke Jan Ijspeert
Biorobotics Laboratory
EPFL-STI-IBI-BIOROB, ME D1 1226, Station 9
EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
CH 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland

Office: ME D1 1226
Tel: +41 21 693 2658
Fax: +41 21 693 3705
www:http://biorob.epfl.ch
Email:Auke.Ijspeert at epfl.ch