Paid full-time Internship: The neural basis of movement generation Theory of Embodied Cognition

Job Description

Reaching for objects entails target select, movement generation, and control. Building on neural processing principles formalized in Dynamic Field Theory, the goal of the project is to provide a neural processing account for movement generation. models are designed within a given framework (Home | Dynamic field theory), are simulated numerically, and are embedded in simulated experimental paradigms. The work requires good conceptual understanding, while mathematical analysis and computer programming are only used to a limited extent.

The project will be performed at the Institute for Neural Computation at Ruhr University Bochum (https://www.ini.rub.de/, https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en ), an interdisciplinary environment with a broad range of research groups. The project is part of the European Training Network REPAIRS (RE-learning Perception-Action IRehabilitation from a Systems perspective)) (https://repairs-etn.eu/ ), which will train 15 highly-skilled PhD students in fundamental research on how individuals re-learn perception and action and in cutting-edge rehabilitation practice using a systems perspective. The project also provides training opportunities in transferable and networking skills. The project’s duration is anticipated to be 8 months.


How to Apply

Applications should include a CV, a short letter of motivation, names and contact information of two or more references, and diplomas and certificates indicating that a degree equivalent to a European Master degree has been obtained. Direct applications electronically to gregor.schoener@ini.rub.de. Selection will begin December 15, 2023 until the position is filled. The position will be for 8 months in 2024. 


Requirements

A MSc degree in computer science, physics, mathematics, or engineering

Psychologists or cognitive scientists with an affinity to mathematical thinking may also qualify

 

Applicants must also fulfil the criteria defined by the European Commission:

  • As an Early Stage Researcher, you have to be in the first four years of your research career and have not been awarded a doctoral degree at the time of recruitment.
  • At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation (Germany) for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.

The Institut für Neuroinformatik (INI) is a central research unit of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. We aim to understand the fundamental principles through which organisms generate behavior and cognition while linked to their environments through sensory systems and while acting in those environments through effector systems. Inspired by our insights into such natural cognitive systems, we seek new solutions to problems of information processing in artificial cognitive systems. We draw from a variety of disciplines that include experimental approaches from psychology and neurophysiology as well as theoretical approaches from physics, mathematics, electrical engineering and applied computer science, in particular machine learning, artificial intelligence, and computer vision.

Universitätsstr. 150, Building NB, Room 3/32
D-44801 Bochum, Germany

Tel: (+49) 234 32-28967
Fax: (+49) 234 32-14210