PhD in comparative cognition (M/F)

Job Description

Thesis Subject

Topic: Mechanisms of sequence learning in primates

Summary
In humans, learning sequential regularities relies on implicit learning processes, resulting in nonconscious knowledge, and explicit learning processes, resulting in conscious knowledge (Gaillard et al., 2014; Reber, 1967). Despite that the comparative study of this dual-route to sequence learning is necessary to understand their condition of emergence, evolutionary history, and adaptive value, whether other primate species rely on these two types of processes has only started to be investigated recently (Malassis & Seed, 2023). This line of research builds on experimental paradigms originally developed to dissociate implicit and explicit sequence learning in humans, adapted for use in non-human primates (Malassis et al., 2024, preprint). The PhD candidate will conduct a series of experiments based on these paradigms in human participants and several other primate species.

Missions
• Contribute to the design and preparation of experimental paradigms
• Collect behavioral and computerized data
• Perform statistical analyses of the results
• Present results in national and international conferences
• Contribute to the writing of scientific articles
• Prepare and update technical protocol documentation and maintain the “Journal de laboratoire”
• Manage equipment and orders
• Contribute to the training of students and collaborators

Profile and skills required
• Degree in ethology or a related field
• Solid theoretical background in non-human primate behavior and cognition
• Previous experience conducting computerized experiments with non-human primates
• Experience with the following software: R, BORIS, PsychoPy
• Good scientific writing skills
• Ability to communicate and teach effectively
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Critical and creative thinking (conceptual and methodological)
• English level required: Proficient (ability to read and write scientific texts and communicate clearly in a research context).
• French level required: Intermediate (ability to communicate clearly and confidently in familiar contexts).

References
Gaillard, V., Cleeremans, A., & Destrebecqz, A. (2014). Dissociating Conscious and Unconscious Learning With Objective and Subjective Measures. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 45(1), 50‑56. https://doi.org/10.1177/1550059413516757
Malassis, R., Moscado, L., Sackur, J., & Nemeth, D. (2024 Preprint). A non-verbal Process Dissociation Procedure to disentangle explicit from implicit sequence learning. https://osf.io/a9by6
Malassis, R., & Seed, A. M. (2023). Do they know or just do it? Investigating implicit and explicit sequence learning by capuchin monkeys, human adults and children. Consciousness and Cognition, 114, 103557. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.concog.2023.103557
Reber, A. S. (1967). Implicit learning of artificial grammars. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behavior, 6(6), 855‑863. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5371(67)80149-X

Your Work Environment

The PhD candidate will join the Consciousness & Cognition team at the Laboratoire de Sciences Cognitives et Psycholinguistique (LSCP), a joint research unit of CNRS and ENS-PSL:
https://lscp.dec.ens.fr/en
Part of the work will be conducted in collaboration with partner sites for data collection, including the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (MNHN), at the Ménagerie of the Jardin des Plantes. Additional data collection activities with other partners are planned (France / EU).

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

The research professions