has openings for PhD positions. We are seeking applicants with a
strong interest in performing cutting edge research in neuroscience.
Successful candidates will join a young and dynamic research group.
The group’s core research areas are sensory-motor circuits and
neuroprosthetics. We apply modern techniques including optogenetics,
multielectrode array recordings, online decoding, calcium imaging, and
DNA cloning. Depending on your skill set you will work on behavioral
tests and electrophysiological questions, understanding population
codes and neural circuits, improving decoding algorithms, or developing
new optogenetic targeting tools for improving neural prosthesis and
advance our knowledge about the sensory-motor system.
Participation in lectures of the International Max Planck Research
School (IMPRS) of neural circuits and the Goethe Graduate Academy
(GRADE) is possible and will be encouraged. At the IMPRS you will
learn about basic principles and modern techniques of neuroscience.
GRADE will convey ‘soft skills’, e.g. time management and writing
skills.
The positions are fully funded with a salary comparable to TVoeD13/2
(approximately 20k Euro). The positions come with direct supervision
by the principal investigator and support to enable completion of the
thesis within 3 years. Funding for up to 2 more years is available.
The Ernst Struengmann Institute gGmbH (ESI) is an independent and
privately funded research institute with a focus on medical research
and natural sciences. It is associated with the Max Planck Society,
one of the most distinguished institutions in science worldwide.
Cooperations with the Goethe University exist. Frankfurt, one of the
largest cities in Germany, is conveniently located in the center of
Germany and ideally connected by train and plane (Frankfurt airport).
It is a multicultural city and offers many cultural and recreational
activities.
Ideal candidates have an excellent degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in
Neuroscience, Engineering, Molecular Biology, or Physics. They must
have a strong electrophysiological or (bio)engineering background and
solid programming experience ideally in Matlab. Above all, they must
have a strong motivation, a sense for responsibility, interest for
detailed analysis, and a distinct desire to learn. Prior experience in
optogenetics and neuroprosthtics is advantageous. Fluency in English
is required (both written and spoken).
If you are interested, please send your complete application until
October 30, 2011 by e-mail (see below for detailed instructions) to
ilka.diester@esi-frankfurt.de.
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Detailed instructions for applicants
Your application must comprise:
Motivation letter
Your 1-3 page essay should contain the following details (not
necessarily in this order):
a) What is your background? In which fields have you studied/worked
before and how do you think this can be useful for the present job?
b) What attracts you to the field of neuroscience?
c) Which problem(s) in neuroscience are you most interested in? Pick
one and describe some coarse ideas how you would approach the problem.
d) Which skills, what personality do you think can you contribute to
the group?
e) Why do you wish to continue your career as a PhD student?
You may add other details to your motivation letter if you find them
important.
Curriculum Vitae
Send a classical tabular CV with your contact details, your date-of-
birth, a current photograph, and all stages of education and
employment. Begin and end dates should be month-accurate.
List of skills, awards, publications, hobbies
List your skills, especially proficiency in languages (including the
level of proficiency), that you think might be useful for the job.
Also list any awards you might have got or papers you might have
published already. You may also mention hobbies if you like.
Score records
Send copies of all your degrees and score records. If scores are
neither compatible with the German nor the US system, give indication
how your scores can be translated into one of these systems or give
evidence in which quantile of all graduates you are at your school.
Contact details of at least two academic references
If possible, please contact the references prior to listing their
names. Sort them with the person who knows you best ranked first and
give indication how each person is related to you. Try to select
references who have supervised you while doing research (some project
work, graduation thesis, etc.).
Please send your application by e-mail only to
ilka.diester@esi-frankfurt.de.
All documents must be in PDF format and must not be compressed. If
possible, combine all documents to a single PDF file.