SCIENCE-JOBS-DE

Coding of retinal ganglion cells - multi-electrode array (Oldenburg)

The Visual Neuroscience group at the University of Oldenburg is
 offering a

PhD position (TV-L E13 50%) in
population coding of retinal ganglion cells

starting in May 2015. The position is initially funded until March 31
 2018.

The goal of our research is to understand how visual signals are
 transmitted from the retina to the brain. We study how populations of
 neurons encode information using large-scale multi-electrode arrays,
 which are able to record the responses of around a thousand neurons
 of various cell-types simultaneously for several hours.

The visual stimulus is transduced into electrical signals by the
 photoreceptors of the retina, processed by many types of
 interneurons, and conveyed to the brain by the ganglion cells along
 their axons that form the optic nerve. All visual information is
 encoded in temporal patterns of electrical impulses of the ganglion
 cells. We know from morphological studies that over 20 types of
 ganglion cells exist. Each type carries a specialized and distinct
 representation of the visual environment to different targets in the
 brain. We do not know the response properties of many types,
 especially in natural viewing conditions, nor do we fully understand
 how the diverse information sent by the different cell types
 collectively determines visual perception and behavior. For more
 information please visit www.uni-oldenburg.de/retina.

We seek a highly motivated PhD student with an academic university
 degree (Master or Diploma) in Biology, Physics, Informatics or
 related fields. Applicants should have strong computing skills,
 experience or training in neuroscience and interest in vision
 research. Electrophysiological experience is an advantage.

The Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg is dedicated to
 increasing the percentage of women in science. Therefore, equally
 qualified female candidates will be given preference. Applicants with
 disabilities will be preferentially considered in case of equal
 qualification.

Please submit your application (in English or German) including a
 motivation letter with a description of your scientific interest, a
 CV, degree certificates, and contact information of two references to
 Prof. Dr. Martin Greschner (martin.greschner@uni-oldenburg.de)
 preferably by email, as a single pdf-file or by mailt to the
 UniversitƤt Oldenburg, FakultƤt VI, Visual Neuroscience, 26111
 Oldenburg. Applications will be considered until April 20th.
Prof. Dr. Martin Greschner
martin.greschner@uni-oldenburg.de
UniversitƤt Oldenburg, Visual Neuroscience
Oldenburg