Mechanistic Interpretability of Language: Biologically and Cognitively Inspired Models Grounded in Human Intracranial Electrophysiology (M/F)
New
- FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
- 36 months
- Doctorate
This offer is available in English version
This offer is open to people with a document recognizing their status as a disabled worker.
Offer at a glance
The Unit
Laboratoire de sciences cognitives et psycholinguistique
Contract Type
FTC PhD student / Offer for thesis
Working hHours
Full Time
Workplace
75005 PARIS 05
Contract Duration
36 months
Date of Hire
01/11/2026
Remuneration
2300 € gross monthly
Apply Application Deadline : 29 September 2026 23:59
Job Description
Thesis Subject
The neural mechanisms of human language remain unknown, and current AI models diverge from them due to superhuman and unrealistic memory capacities. This 3-year PhD project aims to incorporate biological and cognitive constraints into neural network architectures to bridge this gap. The work includes:
Computational modeling: Integration of memory decay mechanisms and adaptation of Transformer and RNN architectures to structurally constrain the models.
Neural analysis: Creation of a high-resolution benchmark from human intracranial electrophysiology (iEEG) data to evaluate which constrained models most faithfully replicate the brain dynamics of language processing.
Your Work Environment
The PhD will take place in a top-tier interdisciplinary environment, combining expertise in computational AI modeling (LSCP / ENS-Paris) with access to cutting-edge clinical neurophysiological data (Fondation Rothschild Hospital / INCC). The student will work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and cognitive neuroscience.
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
| Offer reference | UMR8554-YAILAK-003 |
|---|---|
| CN Section(s) / Research Area | Language sciences |
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.
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