Connectionists: Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit, PhD Programme

[Peter Dayan]

Training in theoretical and computational neuroscience and machine
learning.

The Gatsby Unit is a centre for theoretical neuroscience and machine
learning, focusing on unsupervised, semi-supervised and reinforcement
learning, neural dynamics, population coding, Bayesian (Including
nonparametric) statistics, kernel methods and applications of these to
the analysis of perceptual processing, neural data, artificial
intelligence and bioinformatics. It provides a unique opportunity for a
critical mass of theoreticians to interact closely with each other, and
with other world-class research groups in related departments at UCL,
including Computer Science, Functional Imaging, Physics, Physiology,
Psychology, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Statistical Science, the
cross-faculty Centre for Computational Statistics and Machine Learning,
and with other UK and overseas universities. We expect particularly
close links with the nascent Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural
Circuits and Behaviour, with which we will shortly share a brand new
building.

The Unit has openings for exceptional PhD candidates. Applicants should
have a strong analytical background, a keen interest in neuroscience
and/or machine learning and a relevant first degree, for example in
Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics,
Psychology or Statistics.

The PhD programme lasts four years, including a first year of intensive
instruction in techniques and research in theoretical neuroscience and
machine learning.

All students are fully funded, regardless of nationality. The Unit also
welcomes applications from students with pre-secured funding or who are
currently soliciting other scholarship/studentships. Gatsby PhD
studentships cover the cost of tuition at the appropriate rate, and
include a tax-free stipend of £20,000 per annum.

Applications (including a CV, statement of research interests, and
letters from three referees) for 2015/16 admission must be sent directly
to the Gatsby Unit admissions at gatsby.ucl.ac.uk by midnight December
17th, 2014.

Full details of our programme, and how to apply, are available at:
http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/teaching/phd

For further details of research interests please see
http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/research.html
and the individual faculty webpages at
http://www.gatsby.ucl.ac.uk/members.html