Postdoc (m/f/x) in computational modeling of high-dimensional visual category learning

[Caspar M. Schwiedrzik]

We are looking for an outstanding postdoc with expertise in
computational cognitive neuroscience and/or deep learning to join our
team to the neural basis of mental flexibility. The project is funded
by an ERC Consolidator Grant ((Acronym DimLearn; “Flexible
Dimensionality of Representational Spaces in Category Learning”) and
investigates neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual category
learning, utilizing computational approaches as well as neuroimaging
and neurophysiology in humans and macaque monkeys, respectively. The
postdoc’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,
https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.11.30.691163, and
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51543-y, and
https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.12.17.694881 for examples of our work.
The postdoc 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 employee 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. Several relevant datasets already exist and will be
available for analysis. Ruhr-University Bochum provides a vibrant and
stimulating neuroscience community with a strong community in
computational as well as experimental neurosciences. Through THINK –
Center for Theoretical and Integrative Neuroscience and Cognitive
Science (THINK) at Ruhr University Bochum
(https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/think/index.html.en), the postdoc will
have access to dedicated computing infrastructure, including
high-performance computing clusters, as well as to a state-of-the-art
imaging center providing facilities for 3T MRI, EEG, virtual reality,
and behavioral experimentation.

Please find the official job ad and further information here:
https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/e4f03b0fec916bdfa406ab0242a18b4c10a86c250