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In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%;) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a

Postdoc (m/f/x) in computational modeling of high-dimensional visual category learning

The Department of Cognitive Neurobiology of Caspar Schwiedrzik at Ruhr-University Bochum is looking for an outstanding postdoc with expertise in computational cognitive neuroscience and/or deep learning to join our team to the neural basis of mental flexibility. The project investigates neural mechanisms of high-dimensional visual category learning, utilizing computational approaches as well as neuroimaging and neurophysiology in humans and macaque monkeys, respectively. It is funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant (Acronym DimLearn; “Flexible Dimensionality of Representational Spaces in Category Learning”). The postdoc’s project will focus on developing deep learning “digital twin” models based on neural and/or behavioral data to investigate flexible multi-task learning.

The lab seeks to understand the cortical basis and computational principles of perception and experience-dependent plasticity in the brain. To this end, we use a multimodal approach including fMRI-guided electrophysiological recordings in rodents and non-human primates, and fMRI and iEEG in humans. See https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2023.01.011, https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.11.30.691163, and https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51543-y, and https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.12.17.694881 for examples of our work. The postdoc will play a key role in our research efforts in this area. The lab is located at Ruhr-University Bochum (https://www.rub.de) and the German Primate Center (http://www.dpz.eu). At both locations, the lab is embedded into interdisciplinary research centers with international faculty and students pursuing cutting-edge research in cognitive and computational neuroscience. The employee will have access to dedicated computing infrastructure, including high performance computing clusters. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the labs of Fabian Sinz (https://sinzlab.org), Alexander Gail (https://www.dpz.eu/sensomotorik), and Igor Kagan (http://igorkagan.org). The main site for this part of the project will be Bochum. Several relevant datasets already exist and will be available for analysis. Ruhr-University Bochum provides a vibrant and stimulating neuroscience community with a strong community in computational as well as experimental neurosciences. Through THINK – Center for Theoretical and Integrative Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (THINK) at Ruhr University Bochum (https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/think/index.html.en), the postdoc will have access to dedicated computing infrastructure, including high-performance computing clusters, as well as to a state-of-the-art imaging center providing facilities for 3T MRI, EEG, virtual reality, and behavioral experimentation.

Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-06-14

Your tasks:

• Develop cutting-edge digital twin models for category learning from neural and behavioral data from humans and non-human primates, using RNNs
• Analyze model outputs to test theoretical frameworks about visual category learning
• Development of a toolbox for digital twin modelling
• Work closely with experimental team members in DimLearn to validate computational predictions
• Presentation and publication of results through conference contributions and per-reviewed scientific publications

Your profile:

• A PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant field (e.g., Computational Neuroscience, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Machine Learning)
• Strong programming skills, particularly in Python and deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar)
• Knowledge of recurrent neural network models
• A passion for understanding the neural basis of visual perception and its plasticity
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Fluency in spoken and written English (a good command of English is a requirement, but fluency in German is not essential. The working language in the group is English)

https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/e4f03b0fec916bdfa406ab0242a18b4c10a86c250?ref=AfA