An influential theoretical position in cognitive neuroscience is that the brain is a 'prediction machine' that uses internal generative models to guide perception and action. Integrating new information with existing internal models is a crucial 'operation' underlying not only learning and education, but also development, behaviour change, creativity, incident recovery, and drug rehabilitation. When cast into Bayesian terms (e.g. predictive coding) this integration translates into (non-parametric) changes to the structure of existing models, such as the introduction of new variables, the conditioning of an existing variable on a new contextual dependence, or the re-allocation of probability mass over variables. There is currently no formal framework that systematically addresses these operations, which seriously constrains scientists that aim to use Bayesian computational models to describe cognitive phenomena (and interpret data) that require structure changes in internal models. In this project we will develop such a formal framework to remedy this omission.

To this end, you will collaborate with a broad and interdisciplinary research team, consisting of computer scientists, cognitive scientists, neuroscientists and philosophers, to approach the research problem both ‘bottom-up’ (using data-driven non-parametric Bayesian methods) and ‘top-down’ (using conceptually driven insights in abductive reasoning). Your research methodology will be a combination of computational formal modelling, conceptual analysis, mathematical formal modelling, and computer simulation. You will attend conferences, workshops, and/or summer schools, publish scientific papers, contribute in general to the research in both groups you are embedded in, and contribute to our AI Bachelor's and Master's programmes.

• A Master's thesis in Artificial Intelligence, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Mature mathematical skills as well as experience with conceptual analysis and computational modelling.
• A curiosity-driven attitude towards fundamental research questions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and an ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience with non-parametric Bayesian modelling and/or an affinity for Philosophy of Cognition would be appreciated.

Fixed-term contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,395 per month, and will increase to €3,061 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• The intended start date is 1 September 2020.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• You will be part of the Donders Graduate School for Cognitive Neuroscience.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen

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: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, 4. Neural computation 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, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. 
You will be embedded in the Brain (Inspired) Computing and Computational Cognitive Science research groups at the Donders Centre for Cognition. You will be supervised by Dr Johan Kwisthout (daily supervisor) and Dr Iris van Rooij (second supervisor).