The Foundation for Research on Information Technologies in Society (IT’IS), an independent, nonprofit research organization closely associated with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, is currently seeking applicants for the post as

Exploring Brain Avalanches in Neurostimulation (Master's Student Internship)

Self-organized criticality (SOC) – a sensitive state wherein minor perturbations can trigger significant outcomes – is hypothesized to play an important role in shaping both the brain’s intrinsic dynamics and its response to stimulation. We are seeking a motivated and curious Master’s student to investigate the related concept of “avalanches”, a phenomenon that describes cascades of action potentials in groups of neurons, and its implications for functional synchronization between brain regions in the presence and absence of neurostimulation.

This cutting-edge research will lay the foundation for the development of advanced, closed-loop brain stimulation technologies that enhance clinical therapies for neurological disorders. Your role will involve applying computational methods that capture brain avalanche dynamics under various stimulation protocols. You will analyze how these cascades of neural activity propagate through brain networks, exploring the implications for neural plasticity and the homeostatic maintenance of SOC.

Your challenges:

• Conduct a comprehensive literature review on neuronal avalanche patterns and their role in brain stimulation and criticality
• Identify metrics and apply existing techniques to detect neuronal avalanches in EEG recordings and/or simulations, with a focus on analyzing network dynamics and SOC
• Analyze how neural avalanche patterns are influenced by non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS)

Your strengths:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field
• Experience with scientific programming (Python, MATLAB)
• Familiarity with concepts in computational neuroscience and/or neural modeling
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work with complex, multi-modal datasets
• Strong sense of responsibility and commitment to the highest quality standard of work
• Self-motivation, good organizational and communication skills, impeccable attention to detail, friendly personality, and team-spirit
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, to work independently in a fast-paced setting, and to meet tight deadlines
• Commitment to effectively respond to the needs of partners and customers
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken), ability to communicate in German is a plus

Our offer:

• Vibrant, multicultural, and innovative work environment that drives research in key technologies and fosters diversity and inclusion
• State-of-the-art laboratories, high-performance computing clusters, and production facilities
• Creative mix of global talents that span the fields of physics, electronics, mathematics, biology and more, striving for excellence and high ethical standards
• Flexible working hours at a workplace in the heart of Zurich

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Direct applications are preferred; applications submitted via recruitment agencies are discouraged. Please note that incomplete applications will be disregarded.

Please send your application documents (in English) consisting of motivational letter, tailored CV (max. 2 pages), diplomas, transcripts (with grades), work certificates and/or reference letters (if available) to:

Zurich43, Charlotte Roberts, Zeughausstrasse 43, 8004 Zurich, Switzerland, +41 44 245 96 96, jobs@z43.swiss

Informal inquiries are welcome and should be directed to Dr. Taylor Newton.