A PhD position is available at the Italian National Institute of Health (Rome) in the group of Maurizio Mattia
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PhD (Rome) – Computational Neuroscience / Dynamical Systems / Epilepsy
Fully funded PhD at Sapienza University
Project: Multiscale Digital Twin for Pediatric Focal Epilepsy Based on Recurrent Neural Networks.
Focus on:
- Data-driven modeling of brain dynamics
- Analysis of clinical time-series
- Inference of dynamical systems from experimental data
Looking for candidates with strong background in: physics / applied math / theoretical neuroscience, and interest in real data analysis. ML (incl. RNNs) used as a tool—not the main focus.
Deadline: 17 June 2026
Oral interview for selected applicants (in-presence): 7 July 2026
https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/concorso42.aspx?s=&i=3528&m=&l=EN&p=&a=
Contact: Antonio Pazienti (antonio.pazienti [at] iss.it), Maurizio Mattia (maurizio.mattia [at] iss.it)
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Long version follows:
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PhD position (f/m/d) in Computational Neuroscience (Strong Mathematics / Theoretical Physics Background Preferred)
Project: Multiscale Digital Twin for Pediatric Focal Epilepsy Based on Recurrent Neural Networks
Sapienza University of Rome (Italy) and Italian National Institute of Health (ISS)
Application deadline: 17 June 2026, 14:00 (CET)
Oral interview for selected applicants (in-presence): 7 July 2026, 14:00 (CET) at Sapienza University, Rome
Project Overview
We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Sapienza PhD programmes (42nd cycle, A.Y. 2026/2027) focused on developing quantitative models of pediatric focal epilepsy grounded in experimental data.
The project aims to build a multiscale digital twin of the epileptic brain, integrating:
- Experimental recordings (e.g., EEG, SEEG)
- Neuroimaging-derived structure and connectivity
- Mathematical and dynamical models of neural activity
Digital brain twins are personalized computational models that integrate structural and functional data to capture brain dynamics and support clinical decision-making, particularly relevant for epilepsy.
The PhD will focus on:
- Analysis of large-scale experimental datasets (EEG, clinical recordings)
- Inference of dynamical models from data
- Development of data-constrained multiscale models of seizure dynamics
- Use of machine learning tools (including RNNs) as part of a broader modeling and inference framework, rather than as an end in itself
PhD Programme
The position is part of a Sapienza PhD programme in neuroscience / computational neuroscience-related disciplines at one of Europe’s largest universities.
Key features:
- Duration: 3 years
- Interdisciplinary training combining:
- Neuroscience and clinical research
- Mathematics, physics, and dynamical systems
- Data analysis and statistical inference
- Structured doctoral training with research activities and seminars
Sapienza PhD programmes aim to develop independent researchers with strong analytical and methodological skills in complex systems and biomedical data.
Funding
This is an externally funded PhD position within the official Sapienza call, including:
- Full PhD scholarship (baseline ≈ €16k gross/year)
- Additional funding for research and mobility
Candidate Profile
We are explicitly seeking candidates with a strong quantitative and analytical background, and a clear interest in working with real experimental data.
Required
- MSc (or equivalent) in:
- Physics
- Applied Mathematics
- Theoretical Physics
- Engineering or related quantitative disciplines
- Strong skills in:
- Mathematical modeling (dynamical systems, stochastic processes)
- Data analysis and statistical inference
- Programming (Python or equivalent)
Strongly preferred
- Demonstrated interest in:
- Analysis of experimental or observational data
- Time-series data and signal processing
- Experience with:
- Neural or physiological data (e.g., EEG/MEG)
- Inverse problems or parameter estimation
- Scientific computing
Additional (not mandatory)
- Familiarity with machine learning methods (e.g., RNNs)
(primarily as tools for modeling or inference, not as a core requirement)
What You Will Gain
- Training at the interface of mathematics, data analysis, and neuroscience
- Experience working with real clinical and experimental datasets
- Skills in model-based inference and multiscale modeling
- Opportunity to contribute to clinically relevant research in epilepsy
Location
Rome, Italy — Sapienza University, a leading European research institution with a large international PhD community, and Italian National Institute of Health
Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the official Sapienza portal:
https://phd.uniroma1.it/web/concorso42.aspx?s=&i=3528&m=&l=EN&p=&a=
Typical required documents:
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter (strong emphasis on quantitative/data analysis experience)
- References
Oral interview for selected applicants (in-presence): 7 July 2026, 14:00 (CET) at Sapienza University, Rome
Informal Inquiries
For questions, please contact:
Antonio Pazienti antonio.pazienti [at] iss.it
Maurizio Mattia maurizio.mattia [at] iss.it
behavneurosci-phd [at] uniroma1.it
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Thank you,
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Antonio Pazienti, PhD
National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics
Italian National Institute of Health
Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Roma (Italy)
Phone: +39 06 4990 2857
E-mail: antonio.pazienti [at] iss.it