[Neuroinfo] PhD or Postdoc Image processing and psychophysics for visual neuroprosthesis

[Marcel van Gerven]

PhD or Postdoc Image processing and psychophysics for visual neuroprosthesis (1.0 FTE)

Faculty of Science 
Vacancy number: 62.29.17 
Application deadline: 16 April 2017

Responsibilities

A PhD Candidate or Postdoc position is available in the Visual Neuroscience and Computational Cognitive Neuroscience groups at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands). This exciting project is one of five closely interrelated sub-projects, funded by a Dutch NWO (TTW) grant to advance the relatively young field of brain-machine interfaces for vision restoration. Our international consortium comprises researchers in neurobiology and AI, engineers in microelectronics and wireless communications, and leading industry partners from the Netherlands and abroad.  
  
You will carry out academic research in image processing and behavioural testing for the development of neuroprostheses for blind persons. You will report and publish your research findings in separate articles during the course of your project. These articles will form part of your doctoral thesis, which you will defend at the end of your research in order to obtain a PhD degree. In addition to your research activities you will be expected to take part in the Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate School of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour. As part of this programme you will improve basic skills such as academic writing as well as broaden and deepen your knowledge by participating in symposia, colloquia and summer schools. You will be expected to take part in the teaching of Bachelor’s and Master’s students.  
  
Based on the needs of blind persons, you will design, implement and test image processing software on mobile devices in order to convey practical information that is behaviourally relevant and contextually appropriate. You will test and refine the image-processing tools with realistic simulations of electrically generated vision in sighted subjects. You will test properties of the evoked images, allowing the evaluation of the utility of ‘phosphene vision’ in daily life.

Work environment

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class research centre devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. The Institute is home to more than 600 researchers from 35 countries. You will join the Visual Neuroscience group of Prof. Richard van Wezel and the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience group led by Dr van Gerven at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands). These groups investigate visual processing (see www.van-wezel.nl <http://www.van-wezel.nl/>) and neural network-based modelling of cognitive processes (see www.ccnlab.net <http://www.ccnlab.net/>).

What we expect from you

You should have an MSc or PhD degree (or equivalent) in a field related to neuroscience (e.g. artificial intelligence, cognitive science, physics or biology). Candidates familiar with image processing, machine learning, deep neural networks, software development and behavioural testing are particularly encouraged to apply. Experience with computer programming (e.g. Python, C++, etc.) is a prerequisite. You are expected to work in an interdisciplinary environment, sharing technical know-how and ideas.

What we have to offer
	• employment: 1.0 FTE;
	• in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
	• PhD: the starting salary is €2,191 per month on a full-time basis, the salary will increase to €2,801 per month in the fourth year (p scale);
	• Postdoc: the starting salary is €2,552 per month on a full-time basis, the salary will increase to €4,028 per month in the fourth year (scale 10);
	• duration of the contract: PhD 4 years, Postdoc 3 years;
	• your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended;
	• you will be classified as a PhD Candidate (promovendus) or Postdoctoral Researcher 4 (onderzoeker) in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO).

Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions <http://www.ru.nl/english/arbeidsvoorwaarden?kn>?

Would you like to know more?

Further information on: Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour <http://www.ru.nl/donders> 
Further information on: Visual Neuroscience <http://www.van-wezel.nl/> 
Further information on:  Computational Cognitive Neuroscience Lab <http://www.ccnlab.net/>

For more information about this vacancy, please contact: 
Prof. dr. Richard van Wezel
Telephone: +31 24 3614247
E-mail: r.vanwezel at donders.ru.nl <mailto:r.vanwezel at donders.ru.nl>

Dr. Marcel van Gerven
Telephone: +31 24 3655931
E-mail: m.vangerven at donders.ru.nl <mailto:m.vangerven at donders.ru.nl>

Are you interested?
You should upload your application (attn. of Prof. dr. Richard van Wezel) via the following link: 

http://www.ru.nl/werken/details/details_vacature_0/?recid=596959 <http://www.ru.nl/werken/details/details_vacature_0/?recid=596959>

Your application should include (and be limited to) the following attachment(s):
	• Motivation letter
	• CV including the contact details of two people who we may approach for recommendations
	• One page summary of your Master’s/PhD project


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