PhD Position: Theory of Learning in Artificial and Biologically Inspired Neural Networks

1. Introduction

Are you fascinated by the incredible capabilities of neural networks? Are you interested in applying theoretical methods to understand computational efficiency in neural systems? If so, come and join us as a PhD candidate. You will work in a highly interdisciplinary group, at the intersection of physics, machine learning and theoretical neuroscience.

2. Job description

Our group is focused on investigating dynamics and learning in artificial and biological neural networks, with the aim of:

• Unveiling the link between network structure and neural representations.
• Understanding the impact of structural and energetic constraints on circuit function.
• Deriving design principles for neural networks performing complex tasks.

We employ computational and analytical methods from applied mathematics and physics – particularly statistical mechanics of disordered systems – to study fundamental computational limits of neural networks and their relation to structural and biological constraints in neural systems.

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate the learning capabilities of feed-forward and recurrent models of neural circuits with various degrees of biological plausibility, with a focus on:

1. Transferability of representations in multi-task settings.
2. The role of biological constraints and network heterogeneity in learning.
3. Learning efficiency from an information-theoretic and energetic perspective.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other PhD candidates in the lab and international collaborators on both theoretical and computational projects. You will help supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students, as well as collaborate in the teaching and tutorial sessions in courses on introductory and advanced Machine Learning within the Neurophysics Master’s degree programme at Radboud University. Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. 

3. Profile

• You hold an MSc in physics, engineering physics or mathematics.
• You have a good command of analytical techniques used in the modelling of complex systems, and of statistical mechanics methods (particularly as used in the physics of spin glasses). Previous exposure to control theory is a plus.
• You are highly motivated and curious to explore novel research directions in machine learning and theoretical neuroscience.
• You are ready to engage in team work and collaborations with other PhD candidates, both in the group and internationally.
• You have a genuine multidisciplinary interest in the intersection of machine learning and neuroscience.
• You have a good command of spoken and written English.
• You have experience in programming (e.g. Python, C, Julia). The ability to run large-scale simulations on an HPC cluster is a plus.

4. We are

You will be supervised by Alessandro Ingrosso, Donders Center for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. Our work environment is strongly cooperative and highly multidisciplinary.

Our group is part of the research theme ’Natural computing & neurotechnology’ at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute is a vibrant and multidisciplinary institute devoted to the study of neural circuits at all scales, from protein to behaviour. An incredibly open and international environment, the Donders Institute hosts more than 1,000 scientists at 6 different and interacting partners, all on the same campus.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Alessandro Ingrosso. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Monday 3 November. You will preferably start your employment on 1 January 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.