Connectionists: Gatsby Unit PhD programme

[Maneesh Sahani]

Gatsby Unit PhD: Training in theoretical and computational
neuroscience and machine learning.

Deadline: 15th November 2017

The Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit is a leading research
centre focused on theoretical neuroscience and machine learning.  We
study unsupervised, supervised and reinforcement learning in brains
and machines; inference, coding and neural dynamics; Bayesian and
kernel methods, and deep learning; with applications to the analysis
of perceptual processing and cognition, neural data, signal and image
processing, machine vision and nonparametric hypothesis testing.

The Unit provides a unique opportunity for a critical mass of
theoreticians to interact closely with each other, with the Sainsbury
Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour (SWC, with which we
share a new, purpose-designed building), with the cross-faculty Centre
for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning (CSML), and with
other world-class research groups in related departments at UCL
including: Computer Science; Functional Imaging; Neuroscience,
Physiology and Pharmacology; Psychology; Neurology; Ophthalmology; The
Ear Institute; Statistical Science; and the nearby Alan Turing and
Francis Crick Institutes.

Students at the Gatsby Unit complete a four-year PhD in either machine
learning or theoretical neuroscience, with minor emphasis in the
complementary field.  Courses in the first year, taught in conjunction
with colleagues from the SWC and CSML, provide a comprehensive and
intensive introduction to both fields.  Students are encouraged to
work and interact closely with peers and faculty in the SWC and/or CSML
throughout their PhD, providing a uniquely multidisciplinary research
environment.

Applicants should have a strong analytical and quantitative
background, a keen interest in neuroscience, machine learning or both,
and a relevant first degree, for example in Computer Science,
Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Psychology or
Statistics.

Full funding is available regardless of nationality and current
residence. The Unit also welcomes applicants who have secured or are
seeking funding from other sources.

Applications (including a CV, transcripts, statement of research
interests, and letters from three referees) should be sent directly to
admissions at gatsby.ucl.ac.uk.  Only applications complete by the
deadline are guaranteed full consideration; late applications will be
entertained only if places remain unfilled.

For further details of our programme and how to apply please see:
http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/phd
Further details of research interests are available from
http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html
and the individual faculty webpages at
http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/members.html.

-- 
Maneesh Sahani, Ph.D.
Professor of Theoretical Neuroscience and Machine Learning,
Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, UCL
25 Howland Street, London, W1T 4JG, UK