Richard Gao

Goethe University Frankfurt is offering two fully funded PhD positions in Computational Neural Dynamics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence. The positions are part of the Institute of Computer Science, Center for Cognition and Computation, under the supervision of Professor Richard Gao. The research group focuses on the intersection of computational neuroscience and AI, studying circuit mechanisms and functional roles of brain dynamics using computational methods such as machine learning, simulator models, signal processing, and statistical data analysis. The group collaborates with experimental and computational colleagues and aims to bridge neurobiology and cognition with AI, leveraging insights from brain science to inform artificial intelligence. Successful candidates will join a vibrant academic community in Frankfurt, with opportunities for collaboration at multiple universities and Max Planck Institutes. The working language is English, and the group encourages applications from diverse backgrounds. The positions are funded for three years at 75% E13 TV-G-U, m/f/d, providing a competitive stipend according to German university standards. Applicants should have a master's degree or equivalent research experience in computational neuroscience, computer science (ML/AI), bio/electrical/computer engineering, or a related field. Required skills include strong quantitative and scientific programming abilities in Python and relevant libraries. Candidates must have prior experience in at least one of the following: computational modeling of neural circuits, training artificial neural networks in PyTorch or similar frameworks, or signal processing and statistical data analysis. Experience in multiple areas is preferred. An interest in neurobiology, brain circuits, and cognition is essential, along with a desire for independent research and a collaborative group environment. Proficiency in English is required; German is not necessary. To apply, candidates should prepare a single PDF containing a statement of interest, CV, transcripts, GitHub account or project link, and contact information for two referees. Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the subject line [PhD Application] Firstname Lastname. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, or until the positions are filled. The expected starting date is February 2026 (flexible). For more details, visit gao-unit.com/join-us .

Goethe University Frankfurt is offering two fully funded PhD positions in Computational Neural Dynamics, Machine Learning, and AI for Neuroscience. The positions are part of Prof. Richard Gao's new research group at the Institute of Computer Science, Center for Cognition and Computation. The group focuses on the intersection of computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence, studying circuit mechanisms and functional roles of brain dynamics using computational methods such as machine learning, simulator models, signal processing, and statistical data analysis. The research aims to bridge neurobiology and cognition with AI, leveraging insights from the brain to inform artificial intelligence. Successful candidates will join a vibrant academic environment in Frankfurt, collaborating with multiple universities and Max Planck Institutes, and participating in the ICNF Network. The group values diversity and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. The working language is English, and German proficiency is not required. Applicants should have a master's degree or equivalent research experience in computational neuroscience, computer science (ML/AI), bio/electrical/computer engineering, or a related field. Strong programming skills in Python and relevant libraries are essential. Required experience includes at least one of the following: computational modeling of neural circuits, training artificial neural networks in PyTorch or other deep learning frameworks, or signal processing and statistical data analysis. Experience in multiple areas is preferred. Interest in neurobiology, brain circuits, and cognition is expected, along with a desire for independent research and a positive group environment. The positions are funded for three years at 75% E13 TV-G-U. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, or until filled, with a flexible start date expected in February 2026. To apply, candidates should send a combined PDF including a statement of interest, CV, transcripts, GitHub/project link, and contact information for two referees to Prof. Richard Gao at [email protected]. For more details, visit the group website.

Goethe University Frankfurt is inviting applications for two PhD positions in the research group led by Assistant Professor Richard Gao, focusing on computational neuroscience, machine learning, and AI4Neuro. The group operates at the intersection of computational neuroscience and artificial intelligence, studying brain dynamics and leveraging computational methods such as machine learning, simulator models, signal processing, and statistical data analysis. The research aims to bridge neurobiology and cognition with advances in AI, contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical applications. Successful candidates will join a vibrant academic environment in Frankfurt, a major European transportation hub with a diverse international community. The group collaborates with multiple universities and Max Planck Institutes, and is part of the ICNF Network. The working language is English, and the broader academic community is also English-speaking. Applicants should hold a master's degree or equivalent research experience in computational neuroscience, computer science (ML/AI), bio/electrical/computer engineering, or a related field. Required skills include strong quantitative and scientific programming abilities in Python and relevant libraries. Candidates must have prior experience in at least one of the following areas: computational modeling of neural circuits, training artificial neural networks in PyTorch or other deep learning frameworks, or signal processing and statistical data analysis (with preference for experience in multiple areas). Interest in neurobiology, brain circuits, and cognition is essential, along with a desire for independent research and strong English communication skills. German proficiency is not required. The positions are funded for three years at 75% E13 TV-G-U, with a monthly net salary of approximately 2,200 Euro. The expected start date is February 2026, with some flexibility. The application deadline is December 31, 2025, or until the positions are filled. To apply, candidates should email [email protected] with the subject line '[PhD Application] Firstname Lastname' and attach a single PDF containing a statement of interest (1 page max), CV, transcripts, GitHub account or project repository link, and contact information for two references. The group strongly encourages applications from candidates of diverse gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For more information, visit the group’s website or contact Richard Gao directly by email.