Connectionists: Postdoctoral positions in fMRI at Caltech

[John O'Doherty]

Invitation for Applications:

Postdoctoral Position in direct Conditioning of neural activity using 
real-time fMRI

A post-doctoral position is available to investigate direct conditioning 
of neural activity in the human brain using real-time fMRI procedures. 
The aim of this research project is to determine the efficacy of 
real-time feedback procedures in modulating neural plasticity. We are 
looking for a motivated researcher to take on this research project in 
collaboration with Professors John O’Doherty and Shinsuke Shimojo at 
Caltech, using a 3T Siemens Trio MR scanner based at the Caltech Broad 
Center for Biological Sciences. The position will be based at Caltech 
but will also involve collaboration with research programs being 
conducted at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and in Japan. The 
candidate should ideally have experience of fMRI design and analysis 
techniques with a background in neuroscience, computer science, physics 
or engineering. Ability to program in Matlab and familiarity with SPM or 
other fMRI analysis packages would be an advantage. The position is 
available for 2 years. Start date: As soon as is practicable. Interested 
candidates should send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and 
contact details for three referees to Edith Quintanilla: edith at 
caltech.edu. For informal queries please contact John O’Doherty: 
jdoherty at caltech.edu. Applications will be accepted until the 
position is filled. California Institute of Technology is an Equal 
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages the applications 
of qualified women, minorities, veterans and disabled persons.

Post-doctoral Position in the Neural Basis of Decision Making using 
fMRI, TMS and lesion study approaches in humans.

A post-doctoral position is available to investigate the neural 
mechanisms of reward-learning, choice and decision making in the human 
brain. The post will involve the design and conduct of fMRI, TMS and 
lesion studies, and the application of computational models of choice 
and decision making to behavioral and neural data. The project will be 
carried out using facilities at the Broad Center for the Biological 
Sciences, and in the Shimojo and O’Doherty labs at Caltech. The position 
will be based at Caltech but will also involve collaboration with 
research programs being conducted at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, 
and in Japan. A background in cognitive or behavioral neuroscience is 
essential, and some experience of or interest in computational 
neuroscience, particularly relating to reinforcement learning or 
decision making would be an advantage. The candidate should be familiar 
with either fMRI or TMS techniques or both. Familiarity with SPM or 
other fMRI analysis packages would be an advantage. The position is 
available for 2 years. Start date: As soon as is practicable. Interested 
candidates should send a CV, brief statement of research interests, and 
contact details for three referees to Edith Quintanilla: edith at 
caltech.edu. For informal queries please contact John O’Doherty: 
jdoherty at caltech.edu. Applications will be accepted until the 
position is filled. California Institute of Technology is an Equal 
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and encourages the applications 
of qualified women, minorities, veterans and disabled persons.