1 computational and 1 experimental PhD positions Full-time NEW

The Neural Computational Lab is seeking 1–2 PhD students for neuroscience projects that bridge insights between systems and computational neuroscience. We are offering one computational and one experimental position.

The successful candidates will work collaboratively with each other and with the lab to advance translational understanding of the mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders.

The lab works with both local and international collaborators, including:

• University College London, United Kingdom;
• Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany;
• Karolinska Institutet, Sweden;
• Columbia University, United States;
• Princeton University, United States;
• City University of Hong Kong;
• The International Brain Lab, a global consortium of twenty-two neuroscience labs dedicated to decoding the neural basis of decision-making.

Projects and Opportunities

The lab’s current projects leverages computational tools, high-density recordings from in vivo electrophysiology and imaging (in freely moving and head-fixed set-up), multi-omics, targeted EEG/EMG and acute brain slice recordings in both mouse and human to:

• Study cell-type-specific, circuit-based neuropathological conditions;
• Develop statistical and computational models;
• Investigate how systemic dynamics, such as the gut-brain axis and inflammation, contribute to neuropathologies.

The position offers highly motivated researchers the opportunity to either develop their own research around these topics and/or contribute to current projects. We are particularly interested in applicants who can take advantage of both fundamental research opportunities using animal models and patient-facing research.

The application window is very short, so please reach out to us at your earliest convenience if you are interested.

We look for applicants with following strengths:

1. Qualifications: A background in relevant disciplines, such as neuroscience, biomedical sciences/engineering, computational science, or quantitative sciences (e.g., physics or statistics).
2. Technical Skills:
   For the computational candidate: Proficiency in neuroscience research, signal processing, quantitative analysis, data science, computational modelling, or Python is highly desirable.For the experimental candidate: Experience in psychiatric disorder research, in vivo recording/surgery, behavioural measurement, quantitative analysis, or python, is highly desirable.
3. Team Spirit: A commitment to fostering fair, positive, and equitable environments within the team.
4. Communication: Excellent English communication and academic writing skills.
5. Self-Motivation: The ability to take ownership of research projects, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.

The lab is committed to providing training, international exposure, publication opportunities, and professional development prospects alongside your PhD research. We are dedicated to creating a fair, positive, and equitable environment for your holistic development according to this handbook we published on elife in 2025.

About CUHK and the Department of Psychiatry

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is ranked 36th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 28th in Medicine. The Department of Psychiatry fosters vibrant collaborations among clinicians, AI specialists, and molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscientists.

The Gerald Choa Neuroscience Institute (GCNI)

GCNI is a purpose-built research institute dedicated to advancing cutting-edge fundamental research while expanding translational applications through three specialised research themes:

1. Investigating brain ageing and its applications in neurological diseases.
2. Studying neurogenetics and developing functional restoration therapeutics for neurological disorders.
3. Deconstructing neural circuit intercommunications to understand disease mechanisms.

How to Apply

Interested applicants please contact me at yaupoklau(a)cuhk.edu.hk to discuss the project or for more information. Please include the following information:

1. A cover letter outlining their research interest (as the initial email);
2. A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications ;
3. The names and email addresses of three referees, if possible.

Tagged as: Life Sciences