Postdoc Position in NeuroAI: Biologically Grounded Neural Networks for Cognition

Radboud International; Nijmegen; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8% holiday allowance

8.3% end-of-year bonus

Good pension plan

Job summary

Radboud University invites applications for a postdoctoral position in NeuroAI focusing on biologically grounded neural networks for cognition. You will design cognitive architectures and build NeuroAI-in-practice modules that run on-device, enabling researchers to probe brain-inspired processing in a practical setting.

You will collaborate with the EBRAINS-NEUROTECH team and partner institutions, translating designs to neuromorphic hardware while producing publishable insights in neuroscience

Qualifications

• PhD in a quantitative field such as physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering or computational neuroscience.
• Experience with programming in Python and C in combination with deep learning tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX.
• Background in neuroscience or strong desire to acquire it.

Responsibilities

• Design cognitive architectures to enable brain implants and develop NeuroAI-in-practice modules.
• Build neural network modules for perception and cognition that run on-device and are usable by experimental users.
• Collaborate with CWI and Radboud University teams to translate designs to a neuromorphic architecture.
• Produce publishable scientific insights through the developed architectures and experiments.

Skills

Python

C

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Neuroscience

Education

PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

PyTorch

TensorFlow

JAX

Job description

Postdoc Position in NeuroAI: Biologically Grounded Neural Networks for Cognition

Can you help designing cognitive architectures to make brain implants smart in an international and interdisciplinary team involving the top neuroscience institutes in the Netherlands and thereby (ultimately) contribute to improve the life of patients?

Brain implants are, for the most part, fixed-function devices. The EBRAINS-NEUROTECH infrastructure is building a tool chain that changes this: neural networks that perform the perceptual and cognitive processing an implant needs, run on-device, and can be adapted by the experimenter.

You will build the core of that tool chain: a set of neural network modules for perception and cognition, grounded in what we know about the brain’s own mechanisms. For this position you will develop NeuroAI-in-practice: a set of neural network modules that can be easily used and adapted by an experimental user, while also giving publishable scientific insights in and of themselves.

Two use-cases, involving processing for vision implants and implants for cognitive restoration, will guide the work. These networks also have to run on-device. Together with a postdoctoral researcher from the Centre for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI), you will translate the designs to a neuromorphic architecture.

The open and safe environment at Radboud University is extremely inspiring. I've felt totally at home here for over twenty years. Hans de Kroon Professor at the Faculty of Science

Does this sound like you?

• You are a scientific programmer or postdoctoral researcher with excellent programming skills and a strong interest in NeuroAI.
• You have a PhD degree in a quantitative field, such as physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering or computational or theoretical neuroscience.
• You have experience with programming in Python and C in combination with deep learning tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and JAX.
• You have a background in neuroscience, preferably on mechanisms for cognitive processes, or a strong desire to obtain such a background.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 1 year, with the possibility of a three-year extension (for a total duration of four years).
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Where you will be working

This position is physically hosted at the Neurophysics department of the Donders Institute at Radboud University. The work is part of the Software Platform of the EBRAINS-NEUROTECH infrastructure, involving teams at the University of Amsterdam (Dr Jorge Mejias), CWI (Prof. Sander Bohte) and Radboud University (Prof. Paul Tiesinga).

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:

• Language and communication.
• Perception, action and decision-making.
• Development and lifelong plasticity.
• Natural computing and neurotechnology.

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as 'excellent' and recognised as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent'. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.
Radboud University
At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.
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