In sensory neuroscience, neural data analysis methods such as encoding models, functional localisers and pRF mapping have been responsible for a sizeable chunk of our understanding of the sensory systems and become an indispensable part of most neural data analysis pipelines. However, these methods mostly remained rather antiquated following the deep learning revolution in the last decade. 
As a PhD candidate, you will be responsible for developing more contemporary solutions to fundamental sensory neuroscience problems by better integrating deep learning in encoding models, functional localisers and pRF mapping, to fully automate them while making them significantly easier, better and faster to use. Also, you will be responsible for disseminating your work in the form of high-impact papers and well-curated toolboxes to facilitate widespread use and further development.

This project will be embedded in the research theme “Neural Computation and Neurotechnology” of the Donders Institute and offers the opportunity to conduct world-class research as a key member of an interdisciplinary team working at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cognitive neuroscience.

• Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and/or Cognitive/Computational Neuroscience (preferably with coursework from both fields).
• Demonstrable experience with differentiable programming/neural network libraries/paradigms.
• Demonstrable experience with behavioural/neural data acquisition/analysis.
• Good command of programming languages (C#, Python).
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Fixed-term contract: 48 maanden.

• Employment: 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.
• 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 part of the Donders Graduate School for Cognitive Neuroscience.