PhD Student - Theoretical Neuroscience Lab

Offer Description

Champalimaud Foundation (Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud), a private, non-profit research institution in Lisbon, Portugal, is looking for a PhD Student to join our team at the Champalimaud Research Program.

As part of a Marie-Curie Doctoral Network (ELEVATE), we are offering a PhD student position. The proposed project sits a the interface of computational neuroscience and neuromorphic computing, and is embedded within a strong network of European academic and industrial partners.

Across the animal world, biological networks are made up of different types of neurons. The most prominent division is that between excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) neurons. However, modern AI system as well as most neuromorphic systems ignore this division and assume only one type of neuron. In this project, we will study the specific functional or structural qualities arising from a division into E and I neurons, and work out any potential benefits.

One key design feature of networks with E and I neurons is that they are composed of intrinsically unstable subsystems, namely recurrently connected E neurons, that are controlled and stabilized by other subsystems, namely I neurons. The benefits of designing and controlling intrinsically unstable systems have long been known to engineers in other context, e.g., the desing of modern fighter aircraft. The goal of this project is to use some of these engineering insights in order to investigate how the interplay of excitation and inhibition can be utilized to perform specific computations. Since real neurons communicate with discrete events (spikes), a key aim is to work out the distinct computational roles of inhibitory and excitatory spikes, and apply the concepts to a few example systems.

Tasks

- Study the relevant background literature from both engineering and neuroscience fields. Based on geometric and analytical insights from the framework of ‘spike coding networks’, develop analytical or geometric methods to study the roles of excitatory and inhibitory spikes. Develop a few canonical systems and use numerical simulations to demonstrate the role of excitatory and inhibitory populations in computational tasks.

- Publish research articles, regular participation in top international conferences to present your work.

- Complete an internship at KU Leuven with Prof. Rodolphe Sepulchre.

- Participate in yearly retreats organised by the doctoral network participants

- Support the dissemination of software tools and concepts.

Environment

The student will be part of the Theoretical Neuroscience lab, led by Christian Machens, which is hosted at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown in Lisbon, Portugal. The Champalimaud Foundation is a private, non-profit institute with a vibrant and highly international academic community. Many groups work in the field of systems and computational neuroscience, providing a stimulating and exciting work environment. The student will also interact with the training network ELEVATE and spend several months at Rodolphe Sepulchre's lab at KU Leuven, Belgium.

Starting date:

Earliest starting date is January 1st, 2026.

Requirements

Research Field: Neurosciences, Computer Sciences, Physics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The candidate needs to have a Masters degree in a quantitative field (degree in physics, computer science, engineering, or equivalent) and curiosity about how the brain works. 

Specific Requirements

- Programming skills (Matlab, Python, or equivalent)

- Fluency in English

Languages

ENGLISH
Level: Excellent
 

Benefits

The salary and benefits will follow standard EU rules. PhD students will receive their degree from the NOVA University of Lisbon.

Application

We are looking for a candidate with strong quantitative skills (e.g., degree in physics, computer science, engineering, etc.) and curiosity about how the brain works. Interested candidates should submit a detailed CV, a cover letter explaining their interest in the position (1 page), a transcript for their BSc and Msc, and the contact information of 2 references to christian.machens@neuro.fchampalimaud.org .

The application process will remain open until the position is filled. We strive to build a diverse work environment and encourage applications from all qualified individuals irrespective of their gender, age, cultural background, and disability status. Only candidates shortlisted for this position will be contacted for an interview.

About Us

Research is at the heart of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a modern research and clinical facility situated on the waterfront in Lisbon, Portugal. The goal of Champalimaud Research (CR) is to perform world-leading fundamental and translational research. Current research work is focused on the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer.  Champalimaud Research comprises a team of over 400 scientists from around the world. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon’s sunny Atlantic Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work.

Relevant Institutional Information

In line with our community guidelines and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and Gender Equality Plan, no candidate may be privileged, favoured, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs,  trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision-making.

Legal Notices

The present call has the sole purpose of filling the indicated research position. This call may be canceled at any time on or before the jury’s evaluation of all eligible candidates and the recruitment process shall be concluded on the day of the full execution of the contract between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate.