PhD Scholarships, Department of Biosystems Science & Engineering, ETH Zurich, Switzerland (2017)

The Bio Engineering Laboratory at the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, is seeking PhD students with neurobiology or engineering/data-analysis background for neural network research using high-density microelectrode arrays

The students will investigate how information is processed by neuronal networks and by the corresponding individual neurons and subcellular units within active networks. See also: https://www.bsse.ethz.ch/bel/research/electrophysiology-and-neuroscience....
The specific project is centered around employing microtechnology and microelectronics to rigorously study neural networks in vitro across scales. Across scales pertains to the spatial domain - from details of subcellular components through single neurons to entire networks - and the temporal domain - from single action potentials to long-term developmental processes. Besides our CMOS-microelectronics-based high-density microelectrode arrays for recording and stimulation, the methods will encompass patch-clamping directly on the microelectrode chips, high-resolution microscopy, basic genetic methods, large-scale data handling strategies, and dedicated data analysis and modeling algorithms. The preparations will include mammalian cortical neuron cultures and brain slices. The setups are available but may need modification according to specific experimental needs.

Suitable candidates should either have a background in neurobiology/neuroscience, or interest in evaluating large-scale complex data sets and a background in engineering or computer science. The candidate should be interested in interdisciplinary collaborative work in the area of electronics/neurobiology/data processing. Programming skills (Matlab, Python, R, etc.) are required, and knowledge of mathematics, statistics and data analysis methods, or experience in cell culturing and sterile techniques, or - possibly - patch clamp will be an asset. The candidate must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive international team with Postdocs and PhD students. Academic excellence, a professional work attitude, a proactive and self-driven nature, and leadership potential are expected. The position is based in Basel and appointment duration is 4 years.

Further details:
http://academicpositions.eu