Ledig stilling ved NMBU
PhD scholarship within Data Science and Computational Neuroscience
Deadline: 31.05.2019
About the position
The Faculty of Science and Technology (REALTEK) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) has a vacant 3-year PhD–position related to Data Science and Computational Neuroscience.
Despite decades of intense research efforts investigating the brain at the molecular, cell, circuit and system levels, the operating principles of the human brain, or any brain, remain largely unknown. Likewise, effective treatments for prevalent serious psychiatric disorders and dementia are still lacking.
In broad terms we now have a fairly good understanding of how individual nerve cells operate and process information, but the behavior of networks of such cells is poorly understood. Unless we understand these networks our understanding of brain function, and likely also ability to treat major brain diseases, will have to be limited.
The Computational Neuroscience group at REALTEK has long experience with modelling nerve cell activity, and is e.g. part of the large EU ICT Flagship ‘Human Brain Project’ and involved in ‘Digital Life Norway’.
The successful applicant will work on the 3-year project “MetaBrain: Metamodelling of electrical signals from the brain”, funded by NMBU. The main purpose of the project is to apply and develop computational models of electrical signals from the brain.
You will investigate how to best apply powerful metamodelling methods co-developed by the Data Science group to efficiently predict electrical signals in the brain such as EEG, which can currently only be modelled using computationally demanding methods developed by the Computational Neuroscience group.
Using these metamodels, which are data-driven approximation models/surrogate models for the more computationally demanding (differential equation-based) models, will allow the dependence of brain dynamics on properties of the underlying nerve cell and network models to be revealed.
Main tasks
The main activities will be related to the following topics:
- Metamodelling
- Multivariate data analysis and machine learning
- Computational modelling of brain signals (at both cell and network level)
- Scientific software development
- Dissemination of research results
The successful candidate is expected to enter a plan for the progress of the work towards a PhD degree during the first months of the appointment, with a view to completing a doctorate within the PhD scholarship period.
Qualifications and skills
The successful applicant must meet the conditions defined for admission to a PhD programme at NMBU. The applicant must have an academically relevant education corresponding to a five-year Norwegian degree programme, where 120 credits are at master's degree level (candidates submitting MSc thesis by August 15th 2019 may also be considered). The applicant must have a documented strong academic background from previous studies and be able to document proficiency in both written and oral English. For more detailed information on the admission criteria please see the PhD Regulations and the relevant PhD programmedescription.
The applicant must document expertise and interest in the research subject.
Required academic qualifications
- A Master degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or similar, with very good results
- Proficiency in Data Science (multivariate analysis, machine learning and mathematical modelling
- Programming skills in Python
Desired academic qualifications
- Experience from data analysis within Life Sciences
- Experience from Computational Neuroscience
Required personal skills
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Result-oriented and highly motivated
- High work capacity
- Ability to collaborate
- Strong communication and cooperation skills
Desired personal skills
- Ability to work independently under varying conditions
- Ability to disseminate research results
Remuneration and information
The position is placed in government pay scale position code 1017 PhD Fellow, wage framework 20, salary grade 51 (equivalent currently to NOK 449 400) and follow ordinary meriting regulations.
Terms of employment are governed by Norwegian guidelines for PhD fellowships at Universities and University Colleges.
For further information, please contact:
- Professor Kristin Tøndel by e-mail: kristin.tondel@nmbu.no
Application
To apply online for this vacancy, please click on the 'Apply for this job' button above. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form.
Applications should include (electronically) a letter of intent, curriculum vitae, full publication list, copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records (all certified), and a list of two persons who may act as references (with phone numbers and e-mail addresses). Publications should be included electronically within the application deadline.
Application deadline: May 31st 2019
Printed material which cannot be sent electronically should be sent by surface mail to Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, within May 31st 2019. Please quote reference number 19/01880
If it is difficult to judge the applicant’s contribution for publications with multiple authors, a short description of the applicant’s contribution must be included.
The relevant NMBU department may require further documentation, e.g. proof of English proficiency.