Connectionists: PhD student in computational modeling of high-dimensional visual category learning (m/f/x)

[Caspar M. Schwiedrzik]

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student in computational
modeling of high-dimensional visual category learning.

The Department of Cognitive Neurobiology of Caspar Schwiedrzik at
Ruhr-University Bochum is looking for an outstanding PhD student with
expertise in computational cognitive neuroscience and/or deep learning
to join our team to the neural basis of mental flexibility. The
project investigates neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual
category learning, utilizing computational approaches as well as
neuroimaging and neurophysiology in humans and macaque monkeys,
respectively. It is funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant (Acronym
DimLearn; “Flexible Dimensionality of Representational Spaces in
Category Learning”). The PhD student’s project will focus on
developing deep learning “digital twin” models based on neural and/or
behavioral data to investigate flexible multi-task learning.

The lab seeks to understand the cortical basis and computational
principles of perception and experience-dependent plasticity in the
brain. To this end, we use a multimodal approach including fMRI-guided
electrophysiological recordings in rodents and non-human primates, and
fMRI and iEEG in humans. See https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.011
and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51543-y for recent examples of
our work. The PhD student will play a key role in our research efforts
in this area. The lab is located at Ruhr-University Bochum
(https://www.rub.de) and the German Primate Center
(http://www.dpz.eu). At both locations, the lab is embedded into
interdisciplinary research centers with international faculty and
students pursuing cutting-edge research in cognitive and computational
neuroscience. The PhD student will have access to dedicated computing
infrastructure, including high performance computing clusters. The
project will be conducted in close collaboration with the labs of
Fabian Sinz (https://sinzlab.org), Alexander Gail
(https://www.dpz.eu/sensomotorik), and Igor Kagan
(http://igorkagan.org). The main site for this part of the project
will be Bochum. Ruhr-University Bochum provides a vibrant and
stimulating neuroscience community with a strong community in
computational as well as experimental neurosciences. The PhD student
will have the opportunity to join the International Graduate School
for Neuroscience (https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/igsn/index.html) or
the International Graduate School of Biosciences
(https://www.biologie.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/biodek/promotion/index.html.en).

Please find the official job ad and further information here:
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/318eb740a64696cad9cbeb78dfa84802add43e68