The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim represents academic eminence in technology and the natural sciences as well as in other academic disciplines ranging from the social sciences, the arts, medicine, teacher education, architecture to fine art. Cross-disciplinary cooperation results in innovative breakthroughs and creative solutions with far-reaching social and economic impact.

The Faculty of Medicine
Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience

PhD position within systems neuroscience

At the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and the Centre for Neural Computation at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), located in Trondheim, Norway, a position is open for an outstanding doctoral student to conduct research in the field of neural network functions. The research project will take place at the world-renowned Centre for Neural Computation, one of 21 Centers of Excellence currently funded by the Norwegian Research Council. The Centre offers an international and multidisciplinary environment in which creativity and scientific discourse is valued and stimulated. See http://www.ntnu.no/cbm/ for detailed information.

The position is associated with the Whitlock group, which will begin in 2014 under the auspices of an ERC starting grant. The group is interested in understanding the computations which take place in cortex during goal-directed motor planning and, conversely, how the same networks internally represent, or ‘mirror’, actions executed by other animals. To understand these cognitive motor functions we focus on the planning, performance and observation of navigational behaviors, with much of this work centered on parietal cortex. Using a variety of cutting-edge experimental, behavioral and computational approaches, our goal is to determine the cellular and network mechanisms of action planning and action observation. The position will be for 3 years.

Job description

We are searching for candidates with a powerful internal motivation to understand how purposeful behaviors emerge from neuroanatomical circuits. Candidates must have a master’s degree or equivalent with a background relevant for systems neuroscience. We are looking for candidates with strong potential to master diverse experimental skills including in vivo electrophysiological recordings, and who will be comfortable handling and performing behavioral experiments with rats. A solid desire to succeed at technically demanding work is required. Candidates must be fluent in English and be motivated to work as member of a team.

Terms of employment

Depending on qualifications and academic background, PhD candidates at the Faculty of Medicine will be remunerated at wage levels 50-62 on the Norwegian State salary scale, with gross salary from NOK 420 800 – NOK 518 200 a year, of which 2 % is deducted for the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund. Normal Wage level is 50-58, NOK 420 800 – NOK 481 600.

The national labor force must reflect the composition of the population to the greatest possible extent. It is therefore a major political objective to achieve balance of age and gender and to recruit persons with an immigrant background. Immigrants are encouraged to apply for this position.

NTNU wants to increase the proportion of women in its posts. Women are encouraged to apply.

Information and application

For information about the positions, please contact Researcher Jonathan Whitlock:jonathan.whitlock@ntnu.no.

For information concerning the application process, please contact

HR-consultant Mariann Hansen: mariann.hansen@ntnu.no, telephone: 482 80 634.

Your application - accompanied by a CV, transcripts, short statement on future research ambitions, and names and contact details of at least two references - must be submitted through this page.

Deadline for application: 7. November 2013