Open positions

Position 1:

In this project, led by Dr. Liuba Papeo, we aim to investigate the cognitive mechanisms and spatiotemporal dynamics underlying the representation of action and interaction, using fMRI, EEG and TMS, in combination with multivariate methods (representational similarity analysis, multivariate pattern analysis). The ideal candidate should have already completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline (Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science, or a comparable area). Candidates should have experience with fMRI, EEG or TMS design and analysis methods (including statistical analysis) and good programming skills (e.g. MATLAB, C, or Python). This position is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and is available immediately for two years, with a possibility of an extension for another year. Search will continue until the position is filled.

To apply, please send a CV, a statement of research interests and names of two referees to liuba.papeo@isc.cnrs.fr

Position 2 - Motor learning of tool use through chronic electrode recordings in rhesus macaque:

The aim of the project is to understand the plastic changes occurring in frontal cortical regions during the learning of a tool. Chronic recording implant will be used (6 arrays with a total of 192 channels in cortical premotor regions and lateral prefrontal cortex). An additional goal is to understand the role of motor learning on the emergence of visuomotor properties of mirror neurons in the monkey brain. Data on one monkey have been already successfully acquired. The candidate will work on data acquisition and analysis. The candidate will work in a team with expert neurophysiologists. Thus, prior experience in monkey neurophysiology is not key for this position. The candidate should be skilled in data analysis, complex data modelling and signal processing. Other requirements: fluent English speaking, and good scientific writing skills in English. She/he should hold (or be about to receive) a Ph.D in biomedical engineering, neuroscience, physics or a related discipline like bioinformatics, neuroscience or computer science. Highly skilled neuropsychologists (expert in data processing) will also be considered. Proficiency with computer programming is required (especially with Matlab, Python and R environment). This position is funded by the NIH. The project also requires interaction with scientists from other three labs which participate within the current P01 NIH grant proposal: Nathan Fox (University of Maryland, UMD), Helen Tager-Flusberg (Boston University), Amanda Woodward (University of Chicago). Yearly meetings at UMD are supported by the grant. Possibility to attend 1 international conference/year will also be supported. Salary will be approximately 48.000 €/year. This is a one-year appointment with a possibility of extending to a second year. Position will start from December 2020 (negotiable). (negotiable). Health insurance coverage included. Position will start from January 2021.

Applicants must submit a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to Pier Francesco Ferrari (pff@isc.cnrs.fr).

Position 3 - Coding social space and actions through wireless recordings in free-moving monkeys. 

The aim of the project is to understand how the brain codes others’ actions and space in an ecological-relevant environment. We have developed a Neuroethological platform which is equipped with behavioral and neural recordings in wireless conditions in free-moving macaque monkeys. Neurologger systems synchronized with an 8 camera videorecording system will simultaneously record brain signals and behavior during social interactions in free-moving monkeys. The candidate will participate to the behavioral experiment to train monkeys and to record brain activity by means of a chronically implanted 128 channels system. The candidate will work on data acquisition and analysis. The candidate will work in a team with expert neurophysiologists and bioengineers. The ideal candidate should have already completed, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant discipline (Neuroscience, biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, Computer Science, or a comparable area). The candidate should be skilled in data analysis, complex data modeling and signal processing. Highly skilled neurophysiologist/neuropsychologists (expert in data processing) will also be considered. Proficiency with computer programming is required (especially with Matlab, Python and R environment). Other requirements: fluent English speaking, and good scientific writing skills in English. Possibility to attend 1 international conference/year will also be supported. This position is funded by the French ANR. Salary: approximately 48.000€/year, to be increased depending on experience. Health insurance coverage included. This is a two-year appointment with a possibility of extending to a third year. Position will start from January 2021 (negotiable).

Applicants must submit a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to Pier Francesco Ferrari (pff@isc.cnrs.fr).

Position 4 - Spatial asymmetries in numerosity mapping in rhesus monkeys. 

This position is within a collaborative project between the CNRS in Lyon, France and the University of Parma, Italy. The aim of the project is to investigate in macaques the behavioral and neural mechanism involved in number-space association. A peculiar feature of number representation is its relation with space, chiefly demonstrated in our species by the spatial-numerical association of response code effect. Chick models show that increasing numerosites are mapped along a left-right continuum, presenting signature effects, such as relativity of the spatial association to the current numerical range. We aimed at exploring this issue in monkeys through behavioral tasks and brain imaging (structural MRI, DTI and resting state). We have already collected brain imaging data on a number of monkeys. Candidates should have experience on nonhuman primate cognition and behavior. She/he should hold (or be about to receive) a Ph.D in behavioral sciences, psychology, or cognitive neurosciences. The candidate should be skilled in behavioral data analysis and on neuroimaging analysis. Highly skilled neurophysiologist/neuropsychologists (expert in data processing) will also be considered. Proficiency with computer programming is required (especially with Matlab and LabView). This is a two-year appointment with a possibility of extending to a third year. Salary will be approximately 48.000 €/year, to be increased depending on experience.  Position will start from January 2021 (negotiable).

Applicants must submit a CV, and the names and contact information of three references to Pier Francesco Ferrari (pff@isc.cnrs.fr).