FPI PhD Student [REF. 17-2026- 00200004]
The CRM (www.crm.cat) is an independent research centre in the CERCA network since 2008, with the purpose of promoting both advanced training and research in all areas of mathematics, in collaboration with universities and other research institutions in Catalonia.
The Computational Neuroscience group at the CRM is looking for a PhD student. The contract is funded by of the "National Programme for the Promotion of Talent and its Employability in R+D+i" (FPI fellowships) under the project “Explaining away as a canonical mechanisms of human perception”. It should start before July 2027 and will last for four years. Project reference code PID2025-175935NB-I00 I00financed by MICIU /AEI /10.13039/501100011033
The successful candidate will work on his/her PhD thesis in the Centre de Recerca Matemàtica (CRM) in Barcelona under the supervision of Alexandre Hyafil. The main goal of the thesis is to advance our understanding of the computational and neural mechanisms underlying visual and auditory perception. We follow an interdisciplinary approach with topics ranging from developing theory and computational models (probabilistic models, convolutional networks), statistical analysis of behavioral and neural data, conducting and analyzing behavioral experiments, EEG experiments and assisting in intracranial EEG experiments. The project relies on a group effort notably with a postdoctorate researcher (to be recruited) and will require complimentary expertise.
Applications will be accepted until October 31st 2026.
TASKS
- Develop computational models of visual and auditory perception
- Develop behavioral, EEG and intra-cranial EEG experiments in human participants
- Collect behavioral and EEG data from human adult participants
- Analyze behavioral, EEG and intra-cranial EEG data
- Fit computational models to experimental data
- Write research manuscript with research outputs
- Participate in weekly journal clubs and group meetings
REQUIREMENTS
- Masters in neuroscience. machine learning, cognitive psychology or related
- Fluency in spoken and written English
ASSESSABLE CONDITIONS
- Knowledge and/or strong interest in computational, cognitive and systems neuroscience, in particular related to visual and auditory perception
- High programming skills in Python or Matlab
- Clarity of exposition of scientific results
- Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team
CONTRACT DETAILS
- Full-time (37,5h/week).
- Qualification: the candidate must have a MSC
- Estimated start date: Before July 2027
- Duration of contract: 4 years
- Location: CRM facilities.
- Flexible working hours and teleworking option.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Salary set by FPI fellowship status (25.456,10 k€ annual gross for 2026, updated according Law).
EVALUATION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
The criteria for evaluation will follow the FPI fellowship guidelines:
• Criterion 1. Academic and/or scientific-technical trajectory of the candidate (up to 50 points)
- Sub criterion 1 a) Scientific-technical contributions (up to 45 points). The academic record and other curricular merits of the candidate will be assessed, as well as their suitability for the tasks to be carried out, based on their training and professional experience.
- Sub criterion 1.b): Mobility and internationalization (up to 5 points). The relevance and impact on the candidate's research career of stays in national and international centers and/or in the industrial sector will be assessed (taking into account the prestige of the host entity and the activity carried out).
• Criterion 2. Suitability of the candidate for the research activities to be carried out (up to 50 points). The suitability of the candidate for the program, project or research activities to be developed will be assessed based on their previous training and experience. To this end, the added value that carrying out the project will represent for their research career will be taken into account, as well as the value added to the receiving centre and team.
The selection process will be performed by Dr. Alexandre Hyafil as principal investigator of the Computational Neuroscience group, Dr. Klaus Wimmer as a member of the Computational Neuroscience group and another member from the research group. This process consists in:
1) Admission of candidates: applicants must submit
· A curriculum vitae
· A cover letter
· Copy of the qualifications.
To apply you must send the required documentation by e-mail to rrhh@crm.cat indicating the reference code of the offer. Requests referred from another portal, other than the CRM job offers section and the instructions contained therein, will not be accepted. For more information, please contact rrhh@crm.cat.
2) Shortlist: assessment of the fulfilment of the minimum requirements of the offer.
3) Selection: evaluation of the shortlisted candidates by a total score according to objective criteria.
4) Final decision: If we find the right person, the resolution will be formally communicated and will be published in the CRM careers section.
The CRM has subscribed to the requirements and principles of the European Research Charter and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Recruitment will be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the “Llei de l'Estatut dels Treballadors”. The CRM considers the principles of equality on grounds of sex, marital status, nationality, political or religious convictions, sexual orientation, or others, as well as the universal accessibility of people with disabilities provided that they pass the selection processes and can prove their compatibility with the development of the tasks of the job. If any candidate has suggestions or complaints about the selection process, please contact us at rrhh@crm.cat.
