Postdoc in statistical/computational models of birdsong

[Peter Dayan]

The Computational Neuroscience lab led by Peter Dayan of the Max Planck
Institute for Biological Cybernetics and the University of Tübingen, in
collaboration with the Neurobiology of Vocal Communication Lab led by
Lena Veit, invites applications for a Postdoc Research Fellow (m/f/d;
E13 TVöD, 100%, 2 years).

This role involves developing statistical and computational models for
characterizing and understanding the structure of animal vocal
communication, starting with the songs of the Bengalese Finch.

This position is suited for researchers who have finished or are about
to finish their PhD in a relevant discipline, such as computational
neuroscience, cognitive (neuro-)science, machine learning, artificial
intelligence, computer science, or psychology. The ideal candidate is
self-motivated, comfortable with both analytic and critical thinking,
and has a strong background in computational neuroscience, machine
learning, or related fields. Relevant areas of expertise include
computational modelling, signal processing, machine learning, and
cognitive modeling. The applicant should have excellent programming
skills, experience with advanced data analysis, and a strong publication
record. The candidate should have a solid knowledge of the literature in
relevant areas, and ideally have experience working in close
collaboration with experimentalists.

The working language is English; command of the German language is not
necessary.

What we offer:

The position, initially limited to 2 years with the possibility of an
extension, is part of a newly established DFG research unit "Neural
Basis of Vocal Communication" (FOR 5768), which investigates, through a
collaborative approach across four research sites, how vocal
communication is produced, coordinated, and learned across vertebrate
species by mapping and comparing the underlying neural networks. Using
behavioral studies, neurophysiological recordings, and computational
modeling, we aim to uncover shared principles and species-specific
adaptations of vocal communication. The position will be supervised by
Peter Dayan and Lena Veit.

We offer remuneration in accordance with TVöD (collective wage agreement
for the Public Service of the German Federal States) in addition to all
the customary benefits granted to employees working in Public
Services. The position is based at the Max Planck Institute for
Biological Cybernetics along with the Werner Reichardt Center for
Integrative Neuroscience which are both in Tübingen.

There are no formal teaching duties, allowing full flexibility for
conducting research. There will be opportunities to mentor and work with
PhD and MSc students working on related topics.

About Tübingen:

Tübingen is a scenic university town on the Neckar River in
South-Western Germany. The quality of life is exceptionally high, and
the atmosphere is diverse, inclusive, and most locals speak
English. Tübingen offers excellent research opportunities due to the
University, three Max Planck institutes, the University Hospital, and
Europe’s largest AI research consortium. You can find out more about
Tübingen here: https://www.tuebingen.de/

How to apply:

If you are interested in the position, please get in touch with Peter
Dayan via email (agpd-app...@tue.mpg.de) enclosing your CV. For
formal applications, please send a motivation letter, your CV, up to two
representative publications, and the contact information of two referees
as a single PDF to Susan Fischer (susan....@tuebingen.mpg.de). The
MPI for Biological Cybernetics is an equal opportunities
employer. Applications of qualified women academics are especially
encouraged; applications of disabled persons will be given preferential
treatment to those of other candidates with equal qualifications.

Preference will be given to applications received by 28th February 2026, but applications might be considered thereafter until the position is filled.