Studies in the neuroscience of natural interactive behavior

Department of Neuroscience, University of Montreal

*** NOTE: Due to the recent announcement of the Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards, which have an extremely short time window, candidates are encouraged to contact me immediately. Inquiries received before Tuesday, February 3rd, 2006, will be given special consideration. ***

Applications are invited for doctoral or postdoctoral training in systems neuroscience in the laboratory of Paul Cisek at the University of Montreal. Our lab studies the neural mechanisms of decision-making and interactive behavior using a combination of computational modeling and experimental techniques in humans and non-human primates. The successful applicant will lead innovative new experiments that examine how decisions are made during naturalistic foraging behavior. This will involve wireless multi-electrode recordings in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia in two behavioral scenarios: 1) in a controlled virtual reality setting; and 2) during unconstrained behavior in a large enclosure equipped with cameras for automated motion capture. Depending on the trainee’s qualifications and interests, they will help to design and conduct behavioral and neurophysiological experiments, analyze data, develop computational models of neural systems, prepare manuscripts for publication and participate in international conferences.

Prior experience in experimental and/or computational neuroscience is highly desirable, but we encourage applications from all students with a strong background in biology, psychology and/or mathematics and a passion for systems-level study of the brain. For more information, see: https://cisek.org/pavel/.

Interested candidates are asked to send a curriculum vita, copies of academic transcripts, a statement of research interests and the names and contact information for two references. Please send materials by email to Paul Cisek (paul.cisek@umontreal.ca). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but preference will be given to applications received before March 6th, 2026.

Paul Cisek, PhD

Département de neurosciences

Université de Montréal

Physical: 2960 chemin de la tour, local 4117

Montréal, QC H3T 1J4 CANADA

Mailing: CP 6128 Succursale centre-ville,

Montréal, QC H3C 3J7 CANADA

e-mail: paul.cisek@umontreal.ca

Web: www.cisek.org/pavel