Applications are invited for one full-time PhD studentship for a period of 3 years, at the Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics, and System Engineering (DIBRIS), University of Genoa, Italy.

The position will start on Mar 1st, 2024 on the following research project:

*A computational analysis of early vision function in silico networks of LIF neurons*

Description:
Computational models of early visual processing typically rely on simple linear contrast-encoding assumptions, which do not account for many higher-order mechanisms. Accordingly, many details remain underrated, as well their implications on functional vision. The project aims to implement neuromorphic multi-layer networks of leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) neurons in cascade to a motorized event-based camera (DAVIS, DVS, https://inivation.com/technology/), to obtain artificial replicas of the early stages of an active vision system. Testing the models will involve the assessment of multiple and varying parameters captured under real-life and adaptive conditions. At functional level, the system will (1) consider the neural resources required to account for a range of linear/nonlinear early visual processes, and (2) provide the inference engines for relating the resulting visual representations to performance on psychophysical tasks. The visual performance of the resulting silicon model will be comparatively assessed with that of typical a human observer.
The objective is twofold: on the one hand, we contribute a deeper understanding of visual processes, especially about predicting how early computation may reverberate through the sensory pathways eventually contributing to functional vision. On the other hand, we contribute to the definition of a new generation of perceptual machines to be used in robotics and in general in newly developed Artificial Intelligence systems.


The research will be conducted at the Bioengineering/PSPC labs of DIBRIS.

Applicants are expected to: (1) have a Master’s degree in Bioengineering, Robotics engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or related disciplines, (2) have a keen interest in Vision Science and in Artificial Intelligence, (3) have good programming skills in at least one language (MATLAB, C/C++, Python, C#), (4) work well in group problem solving situations, (5) have intermediate communication skills (oral and written in English). Experience in neural modeling is a plus.

Prospective students, please contact Silvio P. Sabatini (silvio.sabatini@unige.it) providing your CV and qualifications, the name and contact details of two references, and a description of your research interests.


Online application is possible till *December 18th , 2023 (12:00 a.m. CET)*

Full details on the call and the application procedure are available at:
https://unige.it/dottorati-di-ricerca and  https://biorob.phd.unige.it/how-to-apply

Reference: Course: BIOENGINEERING AND ROBOTICS  In agreement with the Foundation of the Italian Institute of Technology (Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia – IIT)  Curriculum: BIOENGINEERING (CODE 10137)

Regards, 
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