Postdoctoral Scholar, Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit
Conduct cutting-edge research on robot learning, developmental robotics, and social cognition using recurrent neural network models and advanced computational frameworks.
Research Focus
We are looking for postdoctoral scholars who are interested in the following research topics:
- Studies of various types of robot learning using recurrent neural network (RNN) models based on predictive coding and active inference frameworks. This could include investigation on more theoretical aspects in these frameworks.
- Studies on developmental robotics with focusing on the problem of generalization through stages of development. We hope that developmental processes during life-time learning spanning for months to years can be observed. This study may use reinforcement learning as well as predictive coding and active inference framework. We are also interested in conducting synthetic neurorobotics modeling studies on developmental disorders including schizophrenia and ASD.
- Studies on developmental social cognition with focusing on the problem of perception of self and others under experiment setup in human-robot or robot-robot contextual, enactive, and multimodal interaction. This study may also incorporate with research outputs from (1) and (2).
- Studies on development of general intelligence by modeling the higher-order cognitive brain mechanism of executive control and working memory usage.
About OIST
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. or equivalent with strong backgrounds in the related fields.
- Good knowledge in neural computation, complex adaptive systems, statistical physics, or nonlinear dynamics with sufficient programming skills in Python, C++, or others.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English.
- Highly motivated and with strong social skills.
Responsibilities
- Build models and experiment tasks.
- Perform numerical simulation/robotics experiments.
- Analysis of the results.
- Write papers as the first author.
- Collaborate with other members in the unit.
Benefits
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work System
- Disability Support
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support Resources
Additional Info
Employment Details
- Job Type: Postdoc
- Employment Term: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
- Salary: 4.6M–5.9M yen (Expected Annual Salary)
Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Instructions
- Required Documents: Curriculum vita including a list of publications, Research statement, Names and contact information of 3 referees (one should be a previous employer).
- How to Apply: Apply by submitting your application documents to [email protected] (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address).
- Deadline: Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
Skills & Keywords
Postdoctoral Scholar, Neurobiology Research Unit
The Neurobiology Research Unit is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in basal ganglia mechanisms of learning and adaptive behavior, focusing on dopamine… See More
Postdoctoral Scholars, The Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit
Researchers will join the QUO Unit at OIST to study emergent quantum phenomena in low-dimensional materials using ultrafast and terahertz spectroscopy.
Uehiro Fellowship - Opportunities for Senior Staff Scientists, Staff Scientists, and Postdoctoral Researchers Marine Biophysics Unit (Mitarai Lab)
The Uehiro Fellowship attracts outstanding researchers to advance oceanography through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration at OIST.
Postdoc Position Available/Memory Research Unit
The Memory Research Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the circuit, synaptic, and… See More