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Phd – Computational Modeling of Neural Processing in the Early Visual System

  • PhD
  • Paris, France
  • Applications have closed

 

Fully-funded PhD position in Computational Neuroscience at Vision Institute, Sorbonne University, Paris, France

 

About the position

Applications are invited for a 3-year 100% PhD position in computational modeling of neural processing in the early visual system. The doctoral project lies at the intersection of machine learning and visual neuroscience. It seeks to explore the link between eye movements and visual perception using deep neural models of the aging retina. It relies on a tight collaboration with experimentalists and it has direct access to state-of-the-art live high-resolution retinal imaging data.

Eye movements play an important role in visual information processing. However, classical computational models of retinal networks rarely take eye movements into account. Using data from high-precision recordings of gaze dynamics in humans, the candidate will apply neural network modeling tools to study how the retina can make use of micromovements of the eye to improve visual performance. This project has the potential to propose novel diagnosis models for eye diseases based on eye-motion analysis, with a possibility to test the model predictions directly on human data.

 

Requirements and eligibility criteria

  • The ideal candidate has a background in computer science, mathematics or physics, and experience with machine learning and deep neural networks.
  • Prior experience in neuroscience is a plus, but not required.
  • Applicants must have completed a MSc’s degree (or equivalent qualification in terms of credits).
  • Proficiency in oral and written English is required.
  • The successful candidate is expected to be willing to work collaboratively in an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, clinicians, and engineers.
  • He or she is also expected to be independent, highly motivated, and able to communicate in scientific terms.

 

Benefits & Working Conditions

The position corresponds to a 3-year 100% PhD appointment (with a possible 4th-year extension), with competitive salary and working conditions. It is funded by ANR IHU FOReSight and AVIESANUNADEV.

The PhD candidate will be physically based at the Vision Institute, one of the top international centers for integrated research on vision and eye diseases.

 

The Vision Institute (https://www.institut-vision.org/en/) is located at the heart of Paris, on the campus of the National Hospital of Ophthalmology of the Quinze-Vingts. The Vision Institute includes more than 20 multidisciplinary research laboratories, which share cutting-edge several platforms for both human and animal experimentation. The Vision Institute also harbors a Clinical Investigation Center, which fosters translational research. All Vision Institute’s activities are coordinated by the Foundation Voir & Entendre, in conjunction with its three supervisory public bodies: Sorbonne University, INSERM, and CNRS.

The PhD candidate will join the Aging in Vision and Action laboratory (www.aging-visionaction.org), whose research focuses on the impact of healthy and pathological aging on visual and cognitive functions. Both clinical and fundamental research activities aim at better understanding the relationship between cellular and functional age-related changes. The goal is to develop diagnostic and rehabilitation solutions to counter autonomy loss and improve the quality of life in the older adults. The Aging in Vision and Action lab offers a stimulating international environment, with strong cooperative work dynamics.

 

The successful candidate will be admitted to the PhD programme of Sorbonne University (www.sorbonne-universite.fr/en), which offers great opportunities to learn cross-disciplinary skills and attend international workshops and conferences in the fields related to the doctoral project. The successful candidate will also benefit from great training opportunities in interpersonal skills relevant to his or her next career stages (e.g., communication, research management, public speaking, etc.).

Sorbonne University, whose campuses are located in the heart of Paris, covers all major disciplinary fields. It offers exciting academic and cross-disciplinary research programs. Sorbonne University is a research-intensive multidisciplinary university with three faculties: medicine, science and engineering, and human and social sciences. With more than 54,000 students (10,000 international students), 4,700 doctoral students and 3,600 researchers, Sorbonne University is one of the main French universities. The university is involved in numerous European and international partnership agreements and has the largest scientific library and infrastructure in France bringing together the best talents in a wide range of these disciplines. With 8,500 publications per year (approximately 10% of all publications in France), Sorbonne University is a major player in the international knowledge and innovation economy, offering transversal academic and research programs.

 

Applications should be sent to Denis Sheynikhovich (denis.sheynikhovich@sorbonne-universite.fr) and Angelo Arleo (angelo.arleo@inserm.fr). The Vision Institute is an equal opportunity employer and women are encouraged to apply.

 

Please, submit the following documents in a single pdf file:

  • Your up-to-date resume, including under-review and under-preparation publications
  • Your motivation letter
  • The name of two referees

The application documents must be in English.

 

Funds are already available and the doctoral project will start as soon as possible, upon selection of a highly-suitable candidate.

 

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