Behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, bio-signal processing
Participation in the research activities of the Unit related to the investigation of the behavioral and state-specific (wakefulness, sleep) neural correlates of experience-dependent plasticity in sensory-deprived individuals. In particular, the comprehension of the cognitive and functional relevance of morpho-functional adaptations underwent by the human brain after sight loss represents a current challenge for research in the neuroscience of the ‘blind brain’. Recent achievements in the field of sleep research revealed the existence of a direct relationship between brain plasticity and sleep-related electroencephalographic correlates. In this respect, novel insight about the plastic processes occurring in the blind brain may come from innovative experimental approaches involving the study of wakefulness and sleep in sighted and visually deprived individuals. These approaches will require the development of novel analytical tools, as well as their validation through implementation of computerized models and application on real brain functional data. In particular, research activities regard:
- analysis of brain functional data (high-density electroencephalography) and peripheral biosignals (electromyography, electrooculography, cardiac/respiratory signals), for the study of both wake-dependent and sleep-dependent correlates in sighted and sensory deprived individuals
- implementation and optimization of methods for signal preprocessing and artifact removal, with particular focus on the analysis of electroencephalographic data (eye movements, muscular activity, etc.)
- implementation and optimization of methods for signal characterization and feature extraction for application in multivariate supervised and unsupervised classification approaches
- computational and mathematical modeling of neuronal and cognitive systems
- general activities of support to the IMT School research and supervision of PhD students
Possession of a four or five years Degree or a Master Degree in Biomedical engineering or in a related field; research experience in Biomedical engineering, Neuroscience, or related areas. Suitable candidates must have a scientific background and a curriculum (resume) which shows that research activities were conducted in the required research fields. An excellent level of both written and spoken English is mandatory.
Articles published in scientific journals and conference proceedings in the pertinent fields. The ideal candidate should have demonstrated scientific proficiency in conducting research projects
Scienze Storiche, Filosofiche, Pedagogiche, Psicologiche
1 year renewable
Selection procedure and criteria
Selection procedure conditions are transparent and are based on international standards.
Procedure
A Selection Committee, appointed by the Director, assesses all applications on the basis online application info and - if provided - reference letters.Shortlisted candidates, selected on the basis of the preliminary analysis, are invited for a research presentation at IMT. Travel expenses to Lucca for theresearch presentation interview will not be reimbursed.
Selection Criteria
The evaluation criteria are based on: Quality of research activity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and references; Research organization experience and participation in international/national research projects and research periods in public and private institutions (academic and non-academic);Relevance of the candidate's profile for the development of IMT's research activities; Teaching, mentoring and supervision experience; Motivation; Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken; As well as any other requirements as specified in the advertisement.
Application
Apply ONLINE only.
Before starting prepare the application attachments and information as listed below.
Info
- Personal info and contact info (compulsory)
- Number of your Identity Document (Passport or Identity Card) (compulsory)
- University degree (compulsory) and Ph.D. (obtained, or "ongoing")
- Name, position, institution and email address of three referees (compulsory)
- An email, with the appropriate instructions to upload the reference letters will be automatically generated and sent to your referees.
Attachments
- Your CV in English (compulsory);
- One research paper (published or working paper): compulsory.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present this research paper in the final stage of the selection.