Postdoc on Decoding high-level neural representations in art perception and production with...

Project: Multiscale Brain Communication

Commitment & contract: 2 years, temporary contract

Location: Centro di Neurofisiologia Traslazionale, FERRARA

WHO WE ARE

At IIT we work enthusiastically to develop human-centered Science and Technology to tackle some of the most pressing societal challenges of our times and transfer these technologies to the production system and society. Our Genoa headquarter is strictly inter-connected with our 11 centres around Italy and two outer-stations based in the US for a truly interdisciplinary experience.

YOUR TEAM

You will be working in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary group, where psychologists, biomedical engineers, computational scientists, physicists, chemists and biologists experts collaborate, each with their own expertise, to carry out common research.

The Multiscale Brain Communication Research line is coordinated by Prof. Luciano Fadiga, who has extensive experience in the neurophysiology of movement, with particular interest in the mechanisms underlying action understanding for interpersonal coordination.

The research focuses on the neural mechanisms responsible for our capacity to communicate with others. This includes the development of new brain interfaces, specifically conceived for human use, to transduce and computationally decode neural signals.

Within the team, your main responsibilities will be:

• Design and perform experiments.

• Analyse, interpret, and discuss experimental data of various kinds with the PI and other lab members.

• Draft, edit, and submit manuscripts and grant applications.

This open position/research is financed by Multiscale Brain Communication funds

MAIN PROJECT

Art has an astonishing ability to tap on a vast array of feelings and emotions with somehow arbitrary stimuli. How this effect is exerted, and in particular how the brain encodes the aspects of artistic stimuli into representations that are robust enough to reliably evoke the experience associated with art is poorly understood.  Advances in research now make it possible to decode a person's conscious experience based on non-invasive measurements of an individual's brain activity. However, so far mainly relatively simple discrete stimuli have been decoded, often in the context of a predefined, relatively limited number of stimuli. The aim of this project will be to use AI methods to extract robust neural representations associated with art-induced experience. 

 WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU SHINE

• A PhD (or equivalent) in physics, mathematics, computer science, or related field.

• Strong background and documented experience in machine learning methods

• Excellent programming and data analysis skills.

• A strong publication record 

• The ability to properly report, organize and publish research data

• Good command in spoken and written English

EXTRA AWESOME

• Experience in the analysis of biological data.

• Some familiarity with the methods of statistical physics and stochastic processes is desirable.

• Good communication skills

• Strong problem solving attitude

• High motivation to learn

• Spirit of innovation and creativity

• Ability to work in a challenging and international environment

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a highly interdisciplinary environment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary package for international standards

• Private health care coverage

• Wide range of staff discounts

 WHAT’S IN FOR YOU?

• An equal, inclusive and multicultural environment ready to welcome you with open arms. Discrimination is a big NO for us!

• We like contamination and encourage you to mingle and discover what other people are up to in our labs! 

• If paperwork is not your piece of cake, we got you! There’s a specialized team working to help you with that, especially during your relocation! 

• If you are a startupper or a business-minded person, you will find some exceptionally gifted professionals ready to nurture and guide your attitude and aspirations.

• If you want your work to have a real impact, in IIT you will find an innovative and stimulating culture that drives our mission to contribute to the improvement and well-being of society!

• We stick to our values! Integrity, courage, societal responsibility and inclusivity are the values we believe in! They define us and our actions in our everyday life. They guide us to accomplish IIT mission!

If you feel this tickles your appetite for change, do not hesitate and apply!

Please submit your application using the online form and including a detailed CV, PhD certificate, cover letter (outlining motivation, experience and qualifications) and contact details of 2 references.

Application’s deadline: December 17, 2021

We inform you that the information you provide will be used solely for the purposes of evaluating and selecting professional profiles in order to meet the requirements of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.

Your data will be processed by Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, based in Genoa, Via Morego 30, acting as Data Controller, in compliance with the rules on protection of personal data, including those related to data security.

Please also note that, pursuant to articles 15 et. seq. of European Regulation no. 679/2016 (General Data Protection Regulation), you may exercise your rights at any time by contacting the Data Protection Officer (phone Tel: +39 010 28961 - email: [email protected]  ).