PhD Student in Biologically Inspired Computational Visual Neuroscience

About the project

The human brain is folded in a unique way, much like a fingerprint. These folding patterns vary substantially across individuals and are often altered in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Yet one of the most fundamental questions in neuroscience remains unanswered: why does the brain fold at all?

In this NWO-funded project, you will investigate whether individual brain folding patterns reflect computational principles that optimize neural communication and brain organization. We hypothesize that cortical folding minimizes the wiring required between functionally connected neural populations, creating a personalized neural architecture for each individual.

To test this hypothesis, the project combines ultra-high field MRI, population receptive field (pRF) modeling, network analysis, and large-scale simulations. Using the visual system as a model, you will help quantify how cortical folding, functional organization, connectivity, and brain organization interact to shape information processing in the human brain.

The project lies at the intersection of visual neuroscience, computational neuroscience, brain imaging, and network science. It aims to establish a new framework for understanding how biological structure supports neural computation and brain organization in individual human brains. By comparing observed brain organization with thousands of simulated alternative configurations, the project will determine whether natural folding patterns represent computationally efficient solutions tailored to each person.

As a PhD candidate, you will develop and apply computational models of brain organization, analyse high-resolution neuroimaging data, and test fundamental theories about how brain structure and function interact. The project offers a unique opportunity to combine theory-driven neuroscience, advanced neuroimaging, and large-scale computational approaches.

What you will be contributing

We are looking for an enthusiastic and creative researcher with a strong interest in biologically inspired computation, brain organization, and the principles governing neural systems.

The ideal candidate will have:

• (or be close to obtaining) a MSc degree in neuroscience, computer science, mathematics, physics, biomedical engineering, cognitive science, psychology, artificial intelligence, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in computational neuroscience, visual neuroscience, and brain organization.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.
• Demonstrable programming experience (Python preferred) is required.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and computational modelling.
• Strong communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.

Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage:

• Computational neuroscience
• Neuroimaging analysis
• Mathematical modelling
• Scientific computing and high-performance computing
• Visual neuroscience
• Brain organization and brain connectivity
• Cognitive neuroscience

Prior experience with MRI is welcome but not required.

What do we offer?

You will join the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Group led by Prof. Serge Dumoulin at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN) and the Spinoza Centre for Neuroimaging in Amsterdam.

The group develops biologically inspired computational models to understand how neural systems process information and how brain structure gives rise to perception, cognition, and behaviour. We study fundamental principles of brain organization by combining advanced neuroimaging, computational modelling, and experimental neuroscience.

You will be embedded in a highly collaborative and international research environment, interacting with neuroscientists, physicists, engineers, computer scientists, clinicians, and psychologists. The project provides access to state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities, including 7T MRI, extensive computational resources, and a vibrant scientific community.

You will have ample opportunities for scientific and personal development through specialized courses, workshops, international conferences, and collaborations with leading researchers worldwide.

Terms of employment

This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.