[visionlist] Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience of Reinforcement Learning and Economic Decision-Making

[Wolfram Schultz]

Postdoctoral Position in Computational Neuroscience of Reinforcement Learning and Economic Decision-Making

University of Cambridge

Recent major awards from the Wellcome Trust and the European Research Council (ERC) allow us to expand our research activities. We are now seeking a postdoctoral collaborator in Computational Neuroscience. Through parallel advertisements, we are aiming to fill positions in human imaging and behavioural neurophysiology.

Our work investigates the neuronal processing of fundamental variables underlying reward and decision making, based on animal learning theory and economic decision theory. Our experimental work uses single neuron behavioural electrophysiology and human neuroimaging. Although we currently use reinforcement models to test behavioural task designs, we like to add a formal computational approach to the issues we are investigating experimentally. We have a large collection of behavioural and neuronal data suitable for formal modelisation. Candidates can also participate in, and shape, ongoing behavioural, neurophysiological and neuroimaging experiments, including local and external collaborations in experimental psychology, neuroeconomics and modelling. We combine the candidate's own ideas with the demands of the grants. For details on our group, see http://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/staff/schultz/.

We seek candidates with strong quantitative background and published experience in computational neuroscience. We particularly appreciate experience in reinforcement learning, Markov processes, Bayesian updating, decision models (drift diffusion models, attractor models) and multiple regressions but also value highly other forms of theoretical work, e.g. in biologically realistic integrate-and-fire neuronal network models, biophysical models and information theory. Additional knowledge in theoretical or behavioural economics would be an asset. We appreciate excellent social and writing skills.

The initial deadline for applications is November 30, 2012, although the search will continue until the appropriate candidate has been identified. Start date is flexible. Initial appointments will be for 2 years, with consideration for prolongation. The salary will be on the standard University scale in the range of £27,578 to £35,938 depending on research experience. Applications should include CV, publication list, half page description of research experience related to the topics stated above, a half page description of research interests, and contact details of two referees. Please apply to Prof Wolfram Schultz, Department of Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK, ws234 at cam.ac.uk.

 
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