Doctoral student in brain-like machine intelligence and artificial cognition Full-time

Doctoral Student In Brain-Like Machine Intelligence And Artificial Cognition

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

This position offers a unique opportunity to develop and advance cognitive brain theories and build computational neural network models to inform the emerging class of brain-inspired AI systems towards brain-like machine intelligence. The successful applicant will capitalise on the vibrant interdisciplinary environment sustained by a strategic collaborations with Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University.

The goal of the project is to develop and simulate large-scale neural network models of the brain's cognitive function with focus on cortical memory system, and use them to make advances towards brain-like intelligent systems. Special focus is on coupling multiple neural networks to study neural interactions between different cortical regions supporting cognitive function. You are expected to build such large-scale brain plausible network-of-networks models in the continuum between spiking and non-spiking computations, and hence propose novel architectural blueprint for AI agents. You should also be able to evaluate the emerging models given multi-modal data and constraints. The project will involve interdisciplinary efforts across multiple fields including cognitive science, computational neuroscience, machine learning / AI (deep generative modelling) and dynamical systems among others.

The position also implies the need to write scientific papers in English.

Supervision: Pawel Herman is proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge.
• The applicant's degree education is expected to be in the field of computer science, engineering physics/math, cognitive science or related areas.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.
• In addition, interest in brain's cognitive function, computational brain theories as well as cortical computations is particularly appreciated.
• Also, competence in scientific programming, numerical simulations or GPU programming is desirable, but not mandatory.
• Finally, previous experience in large-scale neural network based brain models (spiking or non-spiking) is regarded as advantageous qualification.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target Degree: Doctoral Degree

Information Regarding Admission And Employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.