Research Assistant at the Donders Centre for Cognition

1. Introduction

Do you want to shrink the gap between artificial and biological intelligence? In this research assistantship you will work on the development of state-of-the-art machine learning approaches that help address this goal.   

2. Job description

We are looking for an AI research assistant who will strengthen our DBI2 consortium. You will work together with DBI2 team members to develop state-of-the-art AI solutions (machine learning, reinforcement learning, optimal control, neuromorphic computing) that help bring the consortium forward in modelling and understanding biological intelligence. Specifically, you will work on modelling and evolving nonlinear dynamical systems that can solve optimal feedback control problems. Models will be tested in simulated robotics environments.  

3. Profile

• You have a background in one or more of the following topics: artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep (reinforcement) learning, Bayesian optimisation, control theory, dynamical system theory and/or robotics. Experience with hardware development is desirable but not mandatory.
• You have a Master’s degree or equivalent in AI or a related field of research.
• You have excellent mathematical and Python programming skills. Experience with Jax is welcome.
• You are a motivated team player with excellent organisational and communication skills. 

4. We are

You will be part of the Artificial Cognitive Systems group led by Prof. van Gerven and collaborate with other DBI2 researchers. The group is part of the Department of Machine Learning and Neural Computing at the Donders Centre for Cognition (DCC).  The DCC is one of the centres of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour; a world-class interfaculty research centre, that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:

1. Language and communication.
2. Perception, action and decision-making.
3. Development and lifelong plasticity.
4. Natural computing & neurotechnology.

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as ‘excellent’ and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 1,5 year(s).
• Your salary within salary scale 7 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Marcel van Gerven. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Wednesday 22 April. You will preferably start your employment as soon as possible.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information. 

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move? Learn more about internal applications.