PhD student (m,f,x) studying neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual category learning

[Caspar M. Schwiedrzik]

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to study neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual category learning. 

The lab generally 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 ECoG 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 a new imaging center with a dedicated 3T research scanner, electrophysiology, and behavioral setups. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the labs of Fabian Sinz (https://sinzlab.org/people/fabian_sinz.html), Alexander Gail (https://www.dpz.eu/en/unit/sensorimotor-group/about-us.html), and Igor Kagan (http://igorkagan.org).

The Department of Cognitive Neurobiology of Caspar Schwiedrzik at Ruhr-University Bochum is looking for an outstanding PhD student interested in studying the neural basis of mental flexibility. The project investigates neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual category learning, utilizing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in combination with computational modelling and behavioral testing in humans. 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 new category learning paradigms to investigate the neural basis of flexible multi-task learning in humans using fMRI. In addition, the PhD student will cooperate with other lab members on parallel computational investigations using artificial neural networks as well as comparative research exploring the same questions in non-human primates.

Please find the official job ad and further information here: 

PhD student (m,f,x) studying neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual category learning | Ruhr-Universität Bochum | 3959

[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