PhD position in computational cognitive neuroscience: modelling thalamo-frontal mechanisms of cognitive control (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Cognitive control allows us to keep behavior aligned with current goals while adapting when circumstances change. Yet we still lack a unified account of the processes involved and of how they are implemented in the brain. Although research has traditionally focused on the prefrontal cortex, evidence from patients with thalamic infarcts and systems neuroscience suggests that the mediodorsal thalamic nucleus and its interactions with frontal cortex may be a crucial missing component. This PhD project will use computational modeling, behavior and EEG experiments, and simulated lesions to shed light on thalamo-frontal mechanisms supporting adaptive behavior. The position is part of the interdisciplinary THARMAC project, developed with Lola Danet, Jérémie Pariente and Mélanie Planton.

o Develop and test a thalamo-frontal computational model of adaptive cognitive control to reproduce established behavioral phenomena (e.g., switch costs, learning dynamics) and associated neural dynamics (e.g., frontal oscillations).
o Use simulations to help design cognitive control tasks, and conduct behavioral & EEG experiments with neurotypical adult participants, including analysis of the resulting data.
o Develop “lesioned” versions of the model to predict deficits associated with disruption of the thalamus, prefrontal cortex or their connectivity.
o Collaborate with another PhD candidate who will focus on patient recruitment, clinical data, structural connectivity and fMRI, and with researchers working on neuroimaging and patients with thalamic infarction.

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, including cognitive science, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational neuroscience, math/engineering or related disciplines. You do not need to be a trained computational modeler. Previous experience in computational modeling or EEG is an advantage, but is not required. We welcome applicants who are motivated to develop strong programming and quantitative skills. A Master's degree, completed by the start of the position, in a relevant field is required.

- Skills/knowledge:
o A strong interest in cognitive control, (reinforcement) learning, decision-making and a genuine motivation to work with computational models.
o Python, R or another programming language; previous experience is valuable but not required.
o Computational/mathematical models (artificial neural networks, dynamical systems), behavioral experiment design, and electrophysiological data acquisition/analysis are valuable but not required.
o Sufficient spoken and written English to communicate and conduct scientific work, and sufficient French (approximately B1) to interact with participants, or willingness to learn French early in the PhD.

- Soft skills:
o Curiosity, perseverance and demonstrated capacity to learn.
o The ability to work carefully and persistently on complex and open-ended problems.
o Good organizational and collaborative skills.

Your Work Environment

The PhD will be based at the interdisciplinary lab CLLE (UMR 5263, Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès / CNRS), which spans cognitive psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science and ergonomics, and offers strong expertise in cognitive control, learning and decision-making, experimental research and quantitative approaches. CLLE has around 205 members and the position will be hosted in the Language and Cognitive Processes (PLC) team. The candidate will be supervised by Mehdi Senoussi, Associate Professor of neuroscience, whose research lies at the intersection of cognitive control, neural oscillations and computational modelling, and by Mélanie Planton, Professor of neuropsychology, expert in cognitive disorders following brain lesions, remediation and neuroimaging. The candidate will work in a collaborative environment, with on-site access to behavioral and EEG facilities and regular exchanges with NeuroAI, neuroimaging and clinical researchers across Toulouse, including ToNIC and Toulouse University Hospital. The project is also embedded in the interdisciplinary Toulouse Mind and Brain Institute (TMBI) ecosystem.

Applications must be submitted through the CNRS Portail Emploi.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from candidates whose backgrounds are underrepresented in computational neuroscience and academia.

More details and relevant bibliography: https://sdrive.cnrs.fr/s/eDrkeXfjdWSF77Z ; Toulouse International Welcome Desk: https://welcomedesk.univ-toulouse.fr/en

Constraints and risks

Occasional travel in France and/or internationally for conferences and collaborations. The position involves interactions with adult participants during behavioral and EEG experiments. No specific occupational risks have been identified.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

2300 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

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