The role of active vision for perceptual decision-making : experimental analysis, modeling and non-invasive brain stimulation we are looking for a PhD student to join our group to work on a collaborative multidisciplinary research on perceptual decision-making with multistable visual stimuli, using computational modeling, behavioral measures (visual psychophysics, eye movements) and MRI-guided non-invasive neurostimulation techniques (TMS).
Scientific project
Visual perception can be modelled as a functional recurrent loop with three major conceptual building blocks : Expectation about the physical world through our internal beliefs (priors), Exploration of the sensory evidence (including by means of eye movements), and Exploitation (monitoring) of the combined information resulting from expectation and exploration. With the ANR-funded Vision-3E project, we aim at gathering behavioural and physiological evidence, in humans, about these three key “E” functions (expectation, exploration and exploitation), to better understand and model their dynamic interaction. To do so, we will make use of ambiguous, multistable visual stimuli (for an example, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhbZesV2GRk), which give rise to alternating interpretations or percepts of a single stationary sensory input. This experimental framework will allow us to access the temporal dynamics of ongoing perceptual decision processes, excluding the contribution of externally driven sensory changes.
Work environment
The selected candidate will be part of the Vision group of the Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone (INT, https://www.int.univ-amu.fr/), affiliated to the CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, in Marseille. The PhD student will work under the co-supervision of Dr. Montagnini (expert of human vision and eye movements) and Dr Grosbras (Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives, Marseille; expert of non-invasive neurostimulation and visuomotor control). The research community in neuroscience at Aix-Marseille Université is a vibrant international community, spanning a broad range of topics, from the cellular to the cognitive and computational level, and many diverse experimental models and techniques. PhD students in neuroscience have access to many training opportunities through the local Neuroschool PhD Program (https://neuro-marseille.org/en/training/phd-program/). In addition, regular visits and meetings with the Vision-3E scientific partners, in Marseille, Lille and Grenoble will contribute to enrich the scientific training and networking potential for the PhD candidate. Computing and experimental facilities (eye-trackers, high-quality calibrated screens, TMS, MRI-facility) are available at the hosting lab.
PhD Candidate profile
We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and independent candidate with a Master degree in Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences, Psychology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related fields. A strong interest in human behavior and decision-making is crucial for the project. Programming (Matlab or Python), as well as analytical skills are required. Previous experience in computational neuroscience and/or in human experimentation including psychophysics, eye movements and/or non-invasive brain stimulation will be greatly appreciated.
Offer and application process
We offer a fulltime paid PhD position for 3 years (net salary ~1600 euros per month), starting between September and December 2022. Applications, including a CV, motivation statement and contact details for two referees, should be submitted by email to Anna Montagnini anna.montagnini@univ-amu.fr and Marie-Hélène Grosbras marie-helene.GROSBRAS@univ-amu.fr
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. The final decision will be communicated upon finding the ideal candidate and at the latest in September 2022