We invite applications for a PhD position on Developing AI Techniques for Next-Generation Neurotechnology. The European NeuraViPeR consortium aims to develop next-generation neurotechnology for the restoration of visual function in visually impaired people. In this project, you will work on the development of AI techniques for improving this technology.

You will develop brain-inspired AI models with the aim of achieving efficient and optimal closed-loop control of neural implants. This entails the development of state-of-the-art biologically plausible neural network architectures and detailed modelling of how to optimally change ongoing brain activity using techniques in AI and control theory. You will be responsible for the development and validation of the models under supervision of expert staff in machine learning.

We offer you a full-time (100%) position for 4 years. This project is supervised by Prof. van Gerven, Dr Gucluturk and Dr Guclu. You will be employed at the Artificial Intelligence department of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and have the opportunity to collaborate and interact with renowned international experts in neuromorphic computing, neurotechnology and neuroscience. You will also benefit from the extensive training programme of the Donders Graduate School. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and BSc students in their (honours) thesis projects.

Essential qualities:

• Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computational Neuroscience, Control Engineering or a related field of study.
• Strong machine learning skills (neural networks, reinforcement learning, etc).
• Excellent Python programming skills; experience with modern deep learning packages.
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• A proactive and goal-directed attitude, good organisational skills, and the ability to get things done.

Non-essential but desirable skills:

• Knowledge of theoretical and computational neuroscience.
• Affinity with the area of neurotechnology.

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: 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 recognized 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.