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Postdoctoral Scientist - MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit - KN/381
Overall purpose:
To help the CBU develop computational modelling using techniques from machine-learning. The post-holder will provide training, advice and assistance to members of the CBU wishing to develop skills in this area, and will attempt to foster collaboration with members of Cambridge University Engineering Department who share similar interests. The post-holder will be expected to undertake their own original research in collaboration with other members of the CBU.
The post-holder will be line-managed by Dr Dennis Norris and Dr Niko Kriegeskorte. S/he will also collaborate with other members of the CBU who wish to develop computational models.
The post-holder’s work will enable the CBU to apply machine-learning methods to research questions in cognitive neuroscience of central interest to Programme Leaders at the CBU. The position also offers scope for independent research and methods development.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
- Contribute to the training and development of researchers wishing to adopt methods from machine learning.
- Engage in collaborative projects with CBU scientists
- Foster closer collaboration with members of the Machine Learning and Biological learning groups at the Cambridge University Engineering Dept.
- Keep abreast with the latest methodological developments on machine-learning and cognitive modelling, e.g. by reading the relevant literature and attending relevant conferences.
- Carry out research projects independently or collaboratively within the mission of the CBU. This may involve the supervision of undergraduate and graduate students where appropriate.
- Preparation of scientific articles and conference papers
- assist or lead on the dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publication
- present at scientific meetings
Working relationships:
The post-holder will be managed by Dr Dennis Norris and Dr Niko Kriegeskorte at the CBU.
The post-holder will liaise with administrative staff and other support staff at the CBU as necessary.
Education / Qualifications / Training required:
Essential:
PhD in or equivalent degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. engineering, computer-science), either awarded or about to submit.
Desirable:
Post-doctoral research experience
Publications at first- and co-author level
Previous work experience required:
Essential:
Research experience with machine-learning methods
Desirable:
Cognitive or neuroscientific computational modelling
Bayesian modelling
Neural network modelling
Knowledge and experience:
Essential:
Demonstrable skills in programming (e.g, Linux, Matlab, Python)
Desirable:
Experience of collaborating with psychologists and/or neuroscientists.
Personal skills/behaviours/qualities:
Essential:
Work effectively in a team and communicate with people from multiple disciplines, e.g. as a collaborator in research projects
Excellent communication and organisational skills
Scientific rigour and an attention to detail
Ability to write clearly and logically, and an interest in publishing in peer-reviewed high-impact journals and other forms of dissemination
Choosing to come to work at the MRC (part of UKRI) means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme and excellent holiday entitlement to access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme, as well as the chance to put the MRC and UKRI on your CV in the future.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to embrace diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of gender, race, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, disability or age. As "Disability Confident" employers, we guarantee to interview all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.
UKRI supports research in areas that include animal health, agriculture and food security, and bioscience for health which includes research on animals, genetic modification and stem cell research. Whilst you may not have direct involvement in this type of research, you should consider whether this conflicts with your personal values or beliefs.
We will conduct a full and comprehensive pre-employment check as an essential part of the recruitment process on all individuals that are offered a position with UKRI. This will include a security check and an extreme organisations affiliation check. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
This opportunity is closed to applications.