Graduate Research Assistant (Doctoral Candidate)

In the research group Bio-Inspired Computation at the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology of the Faculty of Engineering of the Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel the position of a

Graduate Research Assistant (doctoral candidate)

The anticipated starting date is the 01.04.2024. The position is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation within the Call NEXT: Neuromorphic Computing and is limited for four years (end of project), until the 31.03.2028.

The regular weekly working time corresponds to a full-time position (currently 38.7 hours). The remuneration is based on pay group 13 of the TV-L government scale.

You are expected to manage the project:

"Combining SYnthetic Biology & Neuromorphic Computing for CHemosensory perception" (SYNCH).

Like the human brain, neuromorphic computing relies on data sensed from the outside world. In the human brain, sensory neurons provide information about light, touch, sound, taste, and smell. Using synthetic biology, we aim to endow artificial microelectronic systems with one of these senses: olfaction or smell. In this project, we will collaboratively develop synthetic biological signaling pathways, neuromorphic electronic circuits, and biobased algorithms for decoding multi-channel signals to create an accurate and efficient neuromorphic chemical perception system modeled after the natural olfactory system. The jobholder will work in a highly interdisciplinary team with expertise in neuromorphic circuits (Prof. Federico Corradi, University of Eindhoven) and computational neuroscience (Dr. Kevin Max, University of Bern).

Your profile

• Completed scientific university degree in natural sciences or engineering.
• Enthusiasm for independent scientific work.
• Experience in laboratory work (e.g. recombinant protein expression, setting up electrical circuits, microscopy or working in a clean room), electrical measurements (e.g. patch clamp) and/or signal processing is advantageous.
• Willingness to participate in scientific exchange and visit the laboratory at Eindhoven University, Netherlands.
• Good knowledge of written and spoken English (comparable to Level B2 or better).

We are a dynamic working group and attach importance to a pleasant working atmosphere and freedom for own creative possibilities. You will be given the opportunity to participate in international congresses and specialized training. Part-time employment is possible. If applications are received, it will be examined whether the part-time wishes can be met within the scope of the projects possibilities.

The Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel strives to increase the proportion of female scientists in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages suitably qualified women to apply. Women are given priority in the case of equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance. The university is committed to the employment of people with disabilities: Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if they are suitably qualified.

We expressly welcome applications from people with an immigrant background.

Please send your application with the usual documents (cover letter incl. letter of motivation, curriculum vitae incl. list of technical expertise and, if applicable, publications, references) as a merged pdf document by January 31, 2024 to Prof. Dr. Jan Steinkühler at jst@tf.uni-kiel.de.

We do not require the submission of photographs/application photos and therefore ask that you refrain from doing so.