We have two PhD positions in computational neuroscience
available at the Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group at the
Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam (the
Netherlands). Both positions are funded by the Human Brain Project
(HBP-SGA3) and will be co-supervised by Cyriel Pennartz, head of the
Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience Group, and Jorge Mejias, Principal
Investigator of Computational Neuroscience.
Position #1: The
main objective of this PhD project is to develop a large, biologically
plausible model of a cortical architecture that is trained for
predictive object and scene representations and performs cognitive
operations on these representations, such as scene segmentation, object
categorization and object constancy in the face of variable sensory
input. The candidate will closely collaborate with other computational
neuroscientists, experimental neuroscientists, theoreticians and machine
learning experts across different research teams in Europe.
For
this position, we are seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate
with a Master's degree in computational neuroscience or closely related
field with a strong background in modeling neural networks or,
alternatively, a MSc in machine learning/AI or biomedical, electronic or
automation engineering, computer science, physics or a closely related
field with a clear background or affinity for brain-inspired modeling.
Strong programming skills in Python and experience in machine learning
and (deep) neural network modeling is desirable. English is the official
language of the lab, therefore good English communication skills are
expected.
Position #2: The main objective of this PhD project
is to develop a biologically realistic computational model of
multi-area cortical circuits involved in multisensory perception,
categorization and sensory prediction. We will build a model constrained
by state-of-the-art neuroanatomical data, which will include
biologically relevant information such as cortical laminar structure,
multiple cell types, and biologically realistic learning rules for
synaptic plasticity. The model will be able categorize stimuli in simple
multisensory tasks and will provide computational predictions on neural
activity which we will compare to experimental data from collaborators.
The candidate will also closely collaborate with other computational
neuroscientists, experimental neuroscientists, theoreticians and machine
learning experts across different research teams in Europe.
For
this position, we are seeking a highly qualified and motivated candidate
with a Master's degree in computational neuroscience or closely related
field (with a focus on modeling biological neural systems) or,
alternatively, an MSc in physics, mathematics or a closely related field
and a clear background or affinity for brain modeling. Strong
mathematical skills including calculus, linear algebra, dynamical
systems and complex systems, as well as strong computational skills
(Python, NEST) are desirable. English is the official language of the
lab, therefore good English communication skills are expected.
For
both positions, we offer a full-time appointment for a maximum period
of four years (18 months plus a further 30 months after a positive
performance evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis).
An educational plan will be drafted that includes attendance to courses
and (international) meetings. The gross monthly salary will range from
€2,395 in the first year to €3,061 in the final year, according to the
Dutch salary scale for PhD candidates. Additional benefits include a
holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus (8% and 8.3% of the gross
annual salary, respectively) and generous vacation, pension and social
security conditions in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement
of Dutch Universities. Candidates coming from abroad might also be
eligible for highly attractive tax benefits.
The lab is located
in the state-of-the art facilities of the Science Park at the University
of Amsterdam, with good communications with other academic facilities
and research centers in the city. The University of Amsterdam is a top
research university with a strong focus on the research area of brain
and cognition. As one of the most vibrant cities in Europe, Amsterdam
has a rich historical and cultural heritage that includes the UNESCO
World Heritage city center and canals, dozens of world-class museums and
restaurants, and an exciting nightlife. The city promotes a healthy
lifestyle with plenty of outdoor life, parks and recreational areas, an
excellent bicycle path network, and an expat-friendly environment.
The
application deadline for both positions is July 24th, 2020. Candidates
may apply to both positions, but they are asked to indicate their
preference for any of them. Applications may only be submitted online by
following the links below (where more detailed information about both
positions is provided):
Please
include a letter of motivation and a CV, combined in one single pdf
document. Make sure to mention the months (not just years) in your CV
when referring to your education and work experience. To enable us to
process your application immediately, please quote the vacancy number
for the position you are applying for (20-352 for project #1, 20-353 for
project #2).
For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Jorge Mejias (j.f.mejias at uva.nl).