Postdoc position in Computational Neuroscience

Join an Inspiring Research Community

At UniBE, you will become part of an interconnected international community, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

Start Date

The position is set to commence on October 1, 2026, or by arrangement.

Employment Relationship

This opportunity is fixed-term, extending until September 30, 2027.

Institution / Workplace

Engage with the dynamic team at the Department of Physiology.

Our Research Focus

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the University of Bern’s Department of Physiology for a postdoctoral position under the guidance of Prof. Walter Senn. This role, initially a one-year contract with possibilities for extension, focuses on the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence.

The position aims to advance our recent cortical model of multi-head self-attention towards in-context learning, informed by biologically plausible neuronal error-circuits. This mechanistic framework connects attention-based learning with gradient-based synaptic plasticity.

In collaboration with the team behind The Virtual Brain, you will utilize network models to investigate neurological disorders related to disrupted sensory, motor, and cognitive self-attention. The research will also pave the way for extending the Neuronal Least-Action Principle into long-term processing and spike-based learning paradigms. Ultimately, you will tackle critical challenges in harnessing online learning within neuronal circuits to decode human brain function and inspire novel AI algorithms.

Qualifications Desired

• A PhD in computational neuroscience, machine learning, physics, applied mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• A strong publication track record.
• Exceptional mathematical skills.

What We Offer

• An interdisciplinary and international research environment at the forefront of neuroscience and AI, along with genuine project ownership.
• Opportunities for collaboration across fields such as artificial intelligence, experimental neuroscience, and neuromorphic engineering beyond the University of Bern.
• A stunning workplace in the UNESCO-listed capital of Switzerland, with nature and mountains within easy reach, complemented by a competitive Swiss salary.

Your Benefits

• Access to robust research infrastructure and an international network.
• Team-oriented and collaborative work culture.
• An inspiring work environment that emphasizes creativity and innovation.
• Practical insights through hands-on experience.

Working at the University of Bern

The University of Bern is committed to providing an exciting workplace that promotes development, diversity, and equal opportunities. Learn more about what makes the university stand out as an employer and how you can thrive here.