Stillingstittel:
PhD research fellowship position in Analysis and Training of Neuronal Cultures in a Cybernetic System

Stillingsbeskrivelse:

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Faculty of Information Technology, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering

Department of Engineering Cybernetics (ITK)

Jobbnorge ID: 125454

The position's field of research/research project

Through The NTNU Cyborg initiative, a cybernetic (bio-robotic) organism is currently under development. Using neural tissue, cultured on a microelectrode array (MEA), the goal is to use in-vitro biological neurons to control a robotic platform. The main challenge in this project is to include the neuronal culture in the control system of a robot. The project entails setting up the cybernetic system, defining stimulation inputs into the culture, developing algorithms for decoding neuronal firing patterns as well as research into neural coding mechanisms and how neural networks enable memory and plasticity. The project will focus on expanding current knowledge within neural network coding as well as the training of these networks. The goal is to have a cyborg learn predefined behavior as part of aiding neuroscientific research and understanding, by utilizing methods from cybernetics, robotics and machine learning.

 

Qualification requirements

Successful applicants must have a master degree in cybernetics. Experience in robotics, embedded systems, electronics, artificial intelligence and neural networks is an advantage along with knowledge into neuroscience, bio-robotics and in-vitro studies. Applicants that expect to complete master degree studies by summer 2016 can apply.

 

Contact:

The main supervisor will be Associate Professor Sverre Hendseth (sverre.hendseth (at) itk.ntnu.no) at the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, with co-supervisors Gunnar Tufte (Department of Computer and Information Science) and Ioanna Sandvig (Department of Neuroscience).

 

The successful candidate will be appointed for a period of 3 years, with possible extension to a fourth year if the candidate undertakes teaching related duties.

 

The research of this project has civilian objectives. However, equipment restricted by export licenses and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) is being used in this research area. Applicants that are citizens of Norway, NATO countries, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, or Sweden are eligible. Other applicants should provide evidence of eligibility to use such equipment for their application to be considered.

 

It is a prerequisite that the PhD scholar applies for and is granted admission to the NTNU PhD studies as soon as possible after employment. NTNUs PhD-rules require a Master degree or equivalent with at least 5 years of studies and an average ECTS grade of A or B within a scale of A-E for passing grades (A best).

 

Applicants are kindly requested to send a diploma supplement or a similar document, which describes in detail the study and grading system and the rights for further studies associated with the obtained degree.

 

Excellent English skills, written and spoken, are required. Applicants from non-European countries where English is not the official language must present an official language test report. The following tests can be used as such documentation: TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

 

Minimum scores are:

 

TOEFL: 600 (paper-based test), 92 (Internet-based test)

IELTS: 6.5, with

Minstelønn: 0

Maksimal lønn: 0

Arbeidsgiver Navn: NTNU - Norges teknisk-naturvitenskapelig

Arbeidsgiver adresse: O.S. Bragstads plass 2D 7491 TRONDHEIM

Job kort beskrivelse: Electronics engineering technicians

Land: Norge

Region: Sør-Trøndelag

Kilde til jobbtilbud: NAV, Offentlige arbeidsformidlinger, Norge

Lønn valuta: NOK

Lønn periode: Pr. år