Missions

We seek to recruit a post-doctoral research associate in Computational Neuroscience to work on a research program funded by the French National Research Agency (ANR) on the “Neural mechanisms of iterative learning”. The algorithms and biophysical mechanisms underlying learning in biological neural systems are still poorly understood and the fundamental problem of “credit assignment” - how the correct neurons are modified to perform a difficult task such as optimising a complex movement - remains unsolved. An ideal preparation in which to study this problem using an interdisciplinary approach is the cerebellum, because it combines a simple, regular anatomical structure with well characterised model behaviours.

Activités

The aim of the project will be to explore theoretically and with the help of numerical simulations, different proposals for the biological implementation of credit assignment and learning, particularly in the context of cerebellar learning.

Compétences

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics or computational neuroscience, with a clear interest in the study of biological systems. They should be able to work interactively in a collaborative research environment including physicists and biologists.

Contexte de travail

The project will be pursued as a collaboration between the team of V Hakim for the theoretical aspects and the team of B Barbour for the experimental counterpart.

Contraintes et risques

None identified