PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience/Machine Learning

Polytechnicpositions; Göttingen; Vor Ort; EUR 60.000 - 80.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading academic institution in Göttingen is offering a PhD position in Computational Neuroscience/Machine Learning. The role involves investigating curiosity using computer-game based experiments and developing new experimental paradigms. Ideal candidates will have a strong academic background and programming skills, particularly in Python. This role offers a collaborative research environment with opportunities for professional development. Apply by January 31st, 2026, and join a cutting-edge research network.

Leistungen

Interdisciplinary research environment

Supervision by an advisory committee

Funding for conferences

Qualifikationen

• Excellent M.Sc. degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with human participants is beneficial.
• Advanced analytical abilities, particularly in probability and linear algebra.

Aufgaben

• Investigate drivers of curiosity in computer game experiments.
• Develop new experimental paradigms based on models of curiosity.
• Contribute to a computational benchmark.

Kenntnisse

Programming in Python

Deep learning libraries

Statistical analysis

Critical thinking

Communication skills

English (C1)

Ausbildung

M.Sc. in Computational Neuroscience, Machine Learning, or related field

Jobbeschreibung

PhD Position in Computational Neuroscience/Machine Learning

University of Göttingen

Germany

At the University of Göttingen – Public Law Foundation – Graduiertenkolleg 2906 Neugier, there is a position as a PhD position in Computational Neuroscience/Machine Learning [C5] with Entgeltgruppe 13 TV‑L/100%.

Starting date is 8/1/2026. The position is limited to 7/31/2029. The project is expected to commence on August 1st, 2026 and is initially funded for three years with a strong possibility of extension for a further year.

As part of a research network established at the University of Göttingen in 2024 – Research Training Group (RTG) 2906 Curiosity – we advertise a PhD position for the second cohort of the RTG. Seventh cohort scientists will investigate the neuropsychological, biological, and computational underpinnings of curiosity across eleven projects. The interdisciplinary consortium includes psychologists, biologists, and systems and computational neuroscientists working together to answer the three broad research questions: (A) When are we curious? (B) Why are we curious? and (C) How are we curious?

The future PhD candidate will investigate drivers of curiosity in computer‑game based experiments using information theory and reinforcement‑learning based approaches. The goal is to bridge the gap between first‑principle based models of curiosity and data‑driven models of human behavior. The candidate will develop new experimental paradigms for curiosity based on these models and test them with human participants across various ages and developmental states. Additionally, the candidate is expected to contribute to a computational benchmark that tests the explanatory power of different models of curiosity.

Your profile

• Excellent M.Sc. degree (or equivalent) in Computational Neuroscience or Machine Learning, or a related field such as Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Cognitive Science.
• Experience conducting experimental studies with human participants is not necessary but would be beneficial.
• Programming experience, particularly in Python and deep learning libraries.
• Advanced statistical and analytical abilities, particularly probability and linear algebra.
• Excellent command of the English language (Level C1); German language skills are not necessary.
• Excellent critical thinking and communication skills.

What we offer

• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative, team‑oriented research environment.
• Close supervision by an interdisciplinary Thesis Advisory Committee.
• Enrollment in a training programme comprising compulsory and elective courses suited to individual needs and career goals, as well as regular retreats and summer schools.
• Ample funding for conferences and external laboratory visits.

RTG 2906 is based in Göttingen, a university town with 28,000 students across all disciplines. The Göttingen Campus has its overarching research foci in living networks, sustainability, and dynamics of change, and includes four Max‑Planck Institutes, the German Primate Center, the Campus Institute for Data Science, and the Campus Institute for Dynamics of Biological Networks. The eleven doctoral projects are spread across these Göttingen Campus institutes.

How to apply

Detailed information on the application process, the research project and the training programme are available on the RTG webpage (https://www.uni‑goettingen.de/rtg2906). As part of the online application process you will be asked to upload a motivation letter and certified copies of your degree and language certificates. There will be a total of eleven open PhD positions in RTG 2906; in case you are applying for more than one position, please indicate this in your cover letter. Please note that you must apply to each position separately.

• For questions about the position, please contact Prof. Fabian Sinz ([e-mail]).
• If you have any questions about the application process, you can write to [e-mail].

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family‑friendly institution and supports its employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality should be included in the application to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one PDF file including the usual documents until 1/31/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni‑goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76189. For more information, get in touch with Aleksandra Bovt directly via E‑Mail: [e-mail], Tel. [phone].

With submission of your application you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data‑protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

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