Student Assistant / Master Thesis - Dendritic subunits to bridge timescales in spiking neuronal network learning

Your Job:

In this project, we will incorporate non-linear input integration mimicking dendritic dynamics into spiking neural networks. This will involve:

• Designing dendritic modules in PyTorch that can be embedded within spiking neural architectures
  
• Training and evaluation of these enhanced networks on sequence learning tasks and comparing their performance against state-of-the-art sequence learning models
  
• Investigation of these models in light of recent advancements in Selective State Space Models (SSMs), aiming to bridge the dynamics and working principles of SSMs with the dendrite-augmented spiking neural networks

Your Profile:

• Current master studies in physics, computer science, mathematics, electrical/electronic engineering or a related science or engineering field
  
• Strong background in mathematics, e.g., probability theory, linear algebra, differential/integral calculus
  
• Prior programming experience in Python is a must, C++ and CUDA experience are a plus
  
• Hands-on experience in working with neural simulators (NEST, Brian, etc.) and/or machine learning frameworks (PyTorch, Tensorflow, etc.) is a plus
  
• Experience with spiking neural networks and/or neuromorphic computing is a plus
  

Please feel free to apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge. We may be able to teach you missing skills during your introduction.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• A world-leading, interdisciplinary and international research environment, provided with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and versatile opportunities
  
• An interesting and relevant topic for your thesis with a future-oriented focus
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  

Place of employment: Aachen

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere in Jülich, we have a
lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

Further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality