Postdoctoral Researcher on fMRI study of spontaneous thoughts and natural tasks
We seek a talented neuroscientist with extensive experience in the areas of advanced fMRI analysis, (such as encoding or decoding models) and the design of experiments using naturalistic tasks and assessing spontaneous thoughts. A 3-year postdoctoral position is available at Dr. Mingbo Cai’s lab at the International Research Center for Neurointelligence, The University of Tokyo. You will work on an exciting international collaboration project co-funded by AMED of Japan and DFG of Germany directed by both Dr. Cai and Dr. Nicolas Schuck at Max Planck Institute for Human Development. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate remotely with Dr. Quentin Huys at the University College London. The project will focus on understanding the contents and dynamics of spontaneous thoughts using fMRI decoding and natural tasks. In the later stage of the project, we also plan to examine the clinical implication of differences in spontaneous thoughts. Applicants with experience working on populations with mental disorders are also highly encouraged to apply. The working language is English. The working location is at The University of Tokyo, Japan.

Contract duration: renewed annually up for 3 years, with a probation period of 6 months.

Starting date: On or after April 1, 2021.

Requirements
(1)   Applicants must hold, or be expected to hold by the time of appointment, a PhD, M.D. or equivalent degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychiatry, Machine Learning, Statistics or related fields.

(2)   Experience in conducting fMRI experiments and data analysis (evidenced by publications, conference presentations or writing samples).

(3)   Familiar with at least one of the following tools: AFNI, FSL, nilearn, BrainIAK.

(4)   Good speaking and scientific writing skills in English.

(5)   Good programming skills.

(6)   Willing to collaborate and help colleagues.

Requirements 2 and 3 may be replaced by two or three of the preferred skills below:

Preferred skills:
(1)   Research experience with fMRI experiments involving natural tasks and multivariate pattern analysis.

(2)   Experience with experiments investigating spontaneous thoughts.

(3)   Research experience with investigations of psychiatric disorders.

(4)   Knowledge of and experience with deep learning.

Application procedure:
Please send an email with title “[Postdoc Application] + your name” to mingbo.cai@ircn.jp. Please include a cover letter describing your background and research interest, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for 2-3 recommendation letters (ideally you can also request your referees to send their letters directly to the above email address). To increase the chance of being considered, we suggest you include writing samples or a copy of a poster. Informal inquiry can also be sent to Dr. Cai.

Application deadline:
The first deadline is March 31. The position will remain open until filled. We encourage early application as the review can start before the deadline.