Share page
Faculty of Computer Science :
Computational Neuroscience
Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
Postdoctoral Researcher (m,f,x) in Computational Neuroscience
The Collaborative Research Center 1280 “Extinction Learning” (SFB 1280) is an interdisciplinary research consortium investigating the neural, cognitive, and behavioral mechanisms underlying extinction learning. Its 19 subprojects bring together researchers from neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and computational modeling across six research locations. The consortium is coordinated at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB). The Computational Neuroscience group at the Institute for Neural Computation at RUB investigates the neural and computational mechanisms underlying learning, episodic memory, and spatial navigation. Within SFB 1280, we use computational modeling to develop mechanistic accounts of learning and memory and work closely with experimental research groups to relate model dynamics to neural and behavioral data. Further information can be found at https://www.rub.de/cns
We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying episodic memory and spatial navigation. The successful candidate will develop quantitative spiking neural network models of the hippocampus in an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment. The project aims to understand how hippocampal sequences during sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) are generated and how they are shaped by previous experience and neuromodulatory influences to support memory consolidation. Computational models will be developed in close interaction with experimental collaborators and validated against in vivo electrophysiological and behavioral data from rodents.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, until 30.06.2029 (end of project)
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-10-19
Your tasks:
- Develop and investigate quantitative spiking neural network models of hippocampal circuits involved in episodic memory and spatial navigation.
- Model how learning and previous experience shape hippocampal representations and sequence generation.
- Derive quantitative predictions from computational models that can be tested using experimental data.
- Analyze and integrate in vivo electrophysiological and behavioral data from rodents to constrain, test, and validate computational models.
- Work closely with experimental collaborators to establish an iterative exchange between computational modeling and empirical research.
- Present research findings at national and international conferences and workshops.
- Publish research results in international peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the supervision and scientific mentoring of doctoral, master’s, and bachelor’s students where appropriate. (At the request of the applicant, participation in teaching is possible.)
Your profile:
- A successfully completed PhD in computational neuroscience, physics, computer science, cognitive science, or a closely related field
- A strong quantitative background and demonstrated experience in computational or mathematical modeling, preferably including biologically plausible or spiking neural network models
- Strong programming skills, preferably in Python, and experience with scientific computing and numerical simulations
- Ability to conduct research independently, develop new research questions, and take responsibility for the implementation and analysis of computational studies
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills and enthusiasm for close collaboration with experimental neuroscientists
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Experience with modern software development practices, version control, high-performance computing, and reproducible research workflows is an advantage
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Support in combining family life and work (including childcare arrangements/holiday offers/mobile playroom), Extensive training and professional development opportunities
We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers and those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare can be arranged if events must be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option, parents will be offered a home office solution. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
Applications must be submitted via the link at the bottom of the page. Please include a cover letter, CV, transcripts (Bachelor, Master, PhD) and a research statement, all in a single PDF file. Unfortunately, applications received by email cannot be considered.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Lisa Grunau , phone: +49 234 32 18137
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-10-19. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6176.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA