RA/PhD/Postdoc positions: Physics, Complex Systems & Neural Networks 2181 views

The Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization is inviting applications for Research assistant/Doctoral/Postdoctoral in Physics, Complex Systems & Neural Networks for the independent Max Planck Research Group of Dr. Viola Priesemann.

About the research:

• The group is looking for multiple level researchers (Research assistant/Doctoral/Postdoctoral) to join the team.
• The group is investigating the spread of COVID-19 and address three central questions: How did past governmental measures impact the infection rate R? How will the case numbers develop under specific scenarios? What is the impact of specific social distancing measures on R? We have already developed an SIR model and use Bayesian inference to assess the central epidemiological parameters.
• The results are central in advising decision makers in politics and health care.
• The group is a highly active and hard-working team, and work in close contact with clinicians, epidemiologists, and politicians.
• At the moment, everyone is working from home – but on the long run the group hopes more candidates to join at the MPI in Göttingen.
• Applications are accepted any time, until the positions are filled; starting date is as soon as possible.

Requirements:

For PhD positions:

• Master’s degree, Bachelor (Honours) or comparable in in the quantitative sciences, e.g. Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Epidemiology, Computer Science or Theoretical Biology.
• Background in Physics, Complex Systems & Neural Networks.
• Fluency in English and programming experiences.
• Desire to immerse in interdisciplinary research.
• The PhD position is limited to three years.

For research assistant (RA) positions:

• Applications are open to excellent, enthusiastic and self-motivated students with strong programming skills to join the research team.
• Candidate should hold or study towards a Bachelor´s (Honours) degree or comparable in the quantitative sciences, e.g. physics, mathematics, statistics, epidemiology, computer science or theoretical biology.
• The position requires a good background in modelling dynamical systems and/or statistical data analysis and inference.
• If he/she has a keen interest in COVID inference and modeling and if you are a creative, bright and independent mind, please send the application.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required; German is an asset.

For Postdoc positions:

• The group is looking for excellent, enthusiastic and self-motivated researchers with strong programming skills to join our research team. You should hold a PhD in the quantitative sciences, e.g. physics, mathematics, statistics, epidemiology, computer science or theoretical biology.
• The position requires a solid background in modelling dynamical systems and/or statistical data analysis and inference.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English is required; German is an asset.

Applications:

• Apply online with the reference no and submit a CV, a motivation letter (requirements below), a transcript of records (university and high school), a list of publications and contacts of up to three referees.

Consider these questions in motivation letter:

• Did you already do some modelling on COVID-19? If yes, please describe briefly.
• What research projects/questions about COVID-19 spread do you have in mind?
• What programming languages do you speak? How fluent are you in them?
• Link to your scientific web page or google.scholar profile, if available.
• Briefly describe your background in statistics (if any).
• Briefly describe your background in dynamical systems (if any).
• Briefly describe your background in scientific modelling (if any).
• Briefly describe your background in science communication (if any).
• Written applications will not be sent back.