Home 9 PHD PROJECTS 9 Biophysical modelling of electric and magnetic signals and stimulation

Biophysical modelling of electric and magnetic signals and stimulation

HOST INSTITUTION

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Department of physics, Universitetet i Oslo (Norway)

PhD PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The aim of this project is to develop and explore neural network models built from biophysically detailed neurons for investigation of generation of electric potentials and magnetic fields in in vitro and in vivo settings. Both recordings and stimulation will be modelled, and the model predictions will be compared with biological experiments. The fabrication of prototypes combining the nanostructured stimulation electrodes with both magnetic sensors and/or skin electrodes by other doctoral candidates (ATLAS, IMDEA, CNRS-GREYC, CEA and TAU), will be carried out taking into account the modelling performing by this researcher.

The expected results are:

  1. Developing biologically detailed network models for physics-based prediction of electric potentials and magnetic fields generated by populations of neurons, both in vitro and in vivo settings.
  2. Create biophysically detailed models of electric fields generated by stimulus electrode.
  3. Comparison/validation of model predictions against in vivo and in vitro recordings done by the biologist partners.

During the doctorate, it is intended that the researcher will undertake the following secondments:

– At the European Brain Council (Belgium), under the supervision of Kristien Aarts.

– At Stichting Radboud Universiteit (The Netherlands) under the supervision of Timo van Kerkoerle.

Additionally, the researcher will also engage in joint training events, involving advanced interdisciplinary research topics including, electrophysiology, spintronics or nanomagnetism, the participation in events with neural-probe companies and patients organizations as well as a broad range of Transferable Skills, like safety and sustainability by design and open science practices.

 

RESEARCH SUPERVISORS

Supervisor 1

  1. Title: Professor
  2. Full name: Gaute Einevoll
  3. Email: gaute.einevoll@nmbu.no 
  4. Research project/ Research Group website (Url): https://www.nmbu.no/en/research/groups/computational-neuroscience

Supervisor 2

    1. Title: Doctor
    2. Full name: Torbjørn V. Ness
    3. Email: torbjorn.ness@nmbu.no 
    4. Research project/ Research Group website (Url): https://www.nmbu.no/en/research/groups/computational-neuroscience

 

RESEARCH GROUP DESCRIPTION

The Computational Neuroscience group focuses on modeling electrical and magnetic fields in the brain based on the laws of physics and on simulation technology for brain-scale neuronal network models.

As partners of the EU Flagship Human Brain Project for the past decade, they have collaborated closely with over 100 partners across Europe to building EBRAINS, the European Brain Research Infrastructure.

APPLICANT’S REQUIREMENTS

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, computer science, mathematics or a mathematically-oriented engineering degree.
  • Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system.
  • Experience in mathematical modelling and programming.
  • Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
  • Previous experience in computational neuroscience is desired, but not mandatory.

Grade requirements will be as follows:

  • The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system.
  • The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system.
  • The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system.

ADDITIONAL PhD APPLICATION AND RECRUITMENT STEPS

The application must include:

  • Cover letter – statement of motivation and research interests.
  • CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work – scientific publications).
  • Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records.
  • Documentation of English proficiency if applicable.
  • List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee.
  • Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number).

 

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS:

  • Mobility requirements: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Norway for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date.
  • Research experience: must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
  • Candidates must enroll in a doctoral programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Oslo.