We are looking for a talented and motivated PhD student to study behavioral and computation models of evidence accumulation during sequential decision-making. The student will work in the Functional System Dynamics (FunSy) team at University of Strasbourg with Dr. Jyotika Bahuguna (computational neuroscience, basal ganglia modeling), in collaboration with Dr. Sebastien Ballesta (non-human primate neuroethology) and Dr. Demian Battaglia (network and information science). The project will focus on the analysis and modelling of behavioral data from non-human primates in naturalistic environments collected in the local Silabe primate center ( https://www.silabe.com/en/research/a-platform-for-ethology-and-cognitive-neu...), a unique facility in which non-human primates of several species freely interact and engage in self motivated decision making tasks without any experimenter’s intervention via fully automated modules located within the ruins of a fortress. The research project will involve modeling value modulation, choice bias and reward optimization strategies in the context of sequential choices and evidence accumulation models. In addition, the interested student will also have the opportunity of engaging in parallel projects about the role cortico-basal-ganglia-thalamic circuit during sequential choices, by profiting of an ongoing collaboration between Dr. Bahuguna and the exploratory intelligence group (Timothy Verstynen, Jonathan Rubin, Eric Yttri) in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. The Phd student will join LNCA (Laboratoire des Neurosciences Cognitive et Adaptive) and specifically the FunSy team (Functional System Dynamics group - https://funsyteam.org/) offering a rich scientific environment working on neural recordings with state-of-the-art experimental techniques (Dr. Romain. Goutagny) with sophisticated analytical tools including machine-learning, information theory, network science and computational modeling (Dr. Jyotika Bahuguna, Dr. Demian Battaglia) relevant to behavior, memory, attention, decision making and sensorimotor coordination functions. The University of Strasbourg is one of the top universities in France and is home to a rich neuroscience community. Strasbourg as a city combines a high quality of life with a prestigious history, an international dimension (it is one of the capitals of the European Union) and a central position in Europe (well connected via high speed trains to Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin, etc.). The position is fully funded for 3 years with a monthly salary according to standards of University of Strasbourg including benefits (full health insurance coverage, paid vacations). The position will be open until a valid candidate will be found. The intended start of the contract will be ideally in Spring 2025. Candidates must hold a Master degree (or express genuine interest) in Computational/Theoretical/ Cognitive Neuroscience or a related field. Experience in one or more of the following is a plus: * Data analysis * Evidence accumulation models * Behavioral paradigms with animals Candidates should have the following skills: * Good proficiency in English, both spoken and written * Programming (python preferably) * Scientific writing For application, please send the following information in a single PDF file to Dr. Jyotika Bahuguna (bahuguna@unistra.fr or jyotika.bahuguna@gmail.com). * A curriculum vitae, including a list of publications, if any. * Transcripts of grades of Master's degree. * The contact information and recommendation letters from at least two references. Regards, Jyotika Bahuguna -- Junior professor, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptives (LNCA), University of Strasbourg, 12 Rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg