at the BCBL- Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain) www.bcbl.eu 
1. INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION
- Position: PhD student
- Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1- up to the point of PhD)
- Number of vacancies: 1
- Project: ReNeMos: Recurrent Network Models of Statistical Learning
- Location: Spain > San Sebastian
- Research Field: Neuroscience
- Type of contract/Duration of Contract: Temporary: 4 years
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours per week: 35
- Starting date: January 2025 (flexible)
- Application deadline: 15 November 2024
Information about the project:
Statistical learning (SL) is a crucial capacity supporting efficient cognition and action throughout the lifespan. SL is an organism’s ability to attune to coherent covariation in its environment (e.g., an infant learning sound patterns of a language, or visual patterns corresponding to objects). This project uses recurrent neural network modeling to investigate the types of computations that may support human SL. The modeling motivates EEG and MEG studies with human subjects. Together, the modeling and experiments will advance our understanding of the nature and computational basis for human SL.
Job description:
- Collaborating on finalizing experimental designs, implementing them, and collecting data
- Analysing EEG and MEG data
- Writing research papers under the supervision of the PI, aiming to publish at top-tier journals
- Dissemination of results at international scientific conferences
PI and research group:
Dr. James Magnuson will be the supervisor of this PhD project. Magnuson leads the Computational Neuroscience group at BCBL. Our group is developing novel computational approaches focused primarily on typical and atypical learning and language. Our general approach is to use modelling to motivate new hypotheses we then test with human subjects, in order to advance theoretical understanding.
2. CANDIDATES’ PROFILE AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Required skills:
- Good knowledge of cognitive science/neuroscience
- Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Psychology, Computer Science, Cognitive Neuroscience, Linguistics, or a related field
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Desirable skills:
- Programming experience is highly desirable
- Experience with neural networks is also highly desirable
- Previous experience in participating in research projects (e.g., data collection, analysis)
3. WORKING CONDITIONS
Salary: 21,000€/year gross on average across the four years of the contract
Entitlements and other benefits: https://www.bcbl.eu/en/join-us/what-is-like-to-work-bcbl
Training opportunities and Career development plan:
Researchers at any stage of their career, regardless of their contractual situation, are given opportunities for professional development and for improving their employability through access to a Personal Career Development Plan which includes
(1) Training through individually personalized research projects under senior supervision
(2) Exchanging knowledge with the scientific community and the general public
(3) Network-wide training in theory and methods
(4) Complementary training courses
(5) Involvement in proposal writing, task coordination
(6) Development of skills for the organization of training and scientific events
BCBL seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support contact us.
4. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Language policy
- The corporative language at the Center is English
- The center provides initial level Spanish and Basque lessons to all the international staff members
- The interview will be conducted entirely in English
5. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submission of the application and documentation:
To submit your application, please follow this link: applying for “Ph.D. CANDIDATE POSITION – RECURRENT NETWORK MODELS OF STATISTICAL LEARNING” and attach the following documentation:
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position
- Transcript of records for the completed master's and bachelor's degrees
- Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the BCBL’s OTM-R policy
Application process timetable:
- Deadline for application: 15/11/2024
- Evaluation by committee: 18/11/2024-27/11/2024 (extended 03/12/2024)
- Interviews: 02/12/2024-05/12/2024 (New dates: 04/12/2024-12/12/2024)
- Final decision: 06/12/2024 (New date: 13/12/2024)
- Feedback to all applicants: 10/12/2024 (New date: 13/12/2024)
- Work contract start date: 15/01/2025 (flexible)
Contact details for enquiries: hr@bcbl.eu
