Postdoctoral Research Associate (Fixed Term)

The Jozwik lab studies visuo-semantic cognition combining cognitive science, neuroscience, and computational modelling. The lab's research has focused on probing specific visual dimensions in the context of face, animacy, and object representations more generally. We collect and analyse human behavioural and brain imaging (fMRI and M/EEG) data. We also analyse macaque electrophysiology data obtained through collaborations and perform cross-species comparisons. We use machine learning techniques for neural data analysis and computational modelling with a special interest in biologically-inspired deep learning and AI models (NeuroAI). The computational models we work with include vision deep learning models (including topographical, recurrent, or developmentally inspired models), multimodal vision and language models, and Large Language Models. Please find prior work here: Google Scholar. We also began exploring how to apply our expertise in visuo-semantic cognition and AI to neurotechnology and mental health applications.

The postdoctoral researcher is welcome to work on one (or more) of the three aspects of the research programme funded by the Royal Society that aims to disentangle and model behaviourally-relevant visual and semantic dimensions (characteristics of objects: 'curved', 'pink', 'having eyes', 'being animate', 'having agency', or ones that are hard to name) of visual cognition in the human brain, while increasing the ecological validity of experiments (including mobile EEG and immersive technologies), in the light of the below three aims. Note Dr. Jozwik would be happy to discuss projects related to these aims, as there is some flexibility in research directions.

1. characterise behaviourally-relevant visual and semantic dimensions by the use of large-scale brain imaging datasets of responses to images and model these representations with computational models and validate these predictions in follow-up neuroimaging experiments,
2. define and model dimensions related to the perception of animacy when interacting with objects and people using videos (behaviour, fMRI, and MEG),
3. determine to what extent these brain representations and dimensions change when humans are immersed in the environment (VR/AR and/or mobile EEG).

The ideal candidate will have:

• a PhD (or will have a PhD awarded by the time of the postdoctoral position start date) in a relevant field such as neuroscience, computational neuroscience, cognitive science, NeuroAI. or similar (essential)
• extensive experience in programming in Python or Matlab and data analysis (essential)
• experience with behavioural and neuroimaging (fMRI, M/EEG) data design/collection/analysis (essential) - track record of first-author publications (essential)
• experience in machine learning and AI
• a collaborative approach to doing science and willingness to help other lab members - curiosity and motivation to work on the proposed or related research questions.

Before applying, feel free to contact Kamila Maria Jozwik (Royal Society University Research Fellow and an Assistant Research Professor).

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact hr@mrc-cbu.cam.ac.uk.

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Lab research environment: The Jozwik lab is based at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, with links to broader Cambridge (e.g., Cambridge NeuroWorks powered by Advanced Research and Invention Agency) and international scientific ecosystems (e.g., the Center for Brains, Minds & Machines, now MIT Quest for Intelligence). The Unit has an on-site 3T fMRI scanner (with access to a 7T fMRI scanner within cycling distance), an MEG scanner, EEG systems, Focused Ultrasound, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, and dedicated methods and computing support staff. The Unit runs two MPhil Programs: Cognitive Neuroscience and NeuroAI, and postdoctoral researchers have the opportunity to supervise MPhil students from these and other MPhil programmes and to contribute to supervising PhD students. Postdoctoral researchers are supported in applying for postdoctoral fellowships. The lab values commitment to rigorous, open science, supports diversity in all its meanings, and drives curiosity in a supportive, multidisciplinary, and international research environment.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Please ensure that you upload a covering letter and CV in the Upload section of the online application. The covering letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Please quote reference SU49028 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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