Summary
This scholarship offers the opportunity for a fully funded PhD position within the Language and Predictive Computation group at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, focusing on the correspondence between large language models and human brain responses to language.
4-Year PhD Position in NeuroAI of Language Max Planck Institute, Netherlands
Designation
- PhD Candidate
Location
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics & Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
Research Area
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- AI Interpretability
Eligibility/Qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Essential | – Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (cognitive neuroscience, computer science, computational linguistics, AI, physics). – Experience with deep learning models, particularly transformers and large language models. – Neuroimaging data analysis experience (fMRI, M/EEG, ECoG) or other medical imaging techniques. – Strong programming skills in Python and familiarity with ML frameworks (PyTorch, JAX). – Excellent written and spoken English. |
| Desirable | – Experience with brain encoding models, AI interpretability methods, and a formal background in linguistics. – Existing peer-reviewed publications or preprints. – Commitment to open science practices. |
Description
The PhD project aims to explore the relationship between the representations captured by large language models and brain responses to language. It will employ AI interpretability tools and analyze high-quality neuroimaging datasets while designing targeted fMRI experiments. The doctoral candidate will work closely with Dr. Micha Heilbron and Prof. Marcel van Gerven, contributing to interdisciplinary collaborations and potentially supervising related student projects.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications directly via the application portal in PDF format, including:
- A one-page statement detailing background, interest in the position, and research approach.
- A brief summary (250 words) of your MSc/MA dissertation.
- CV with education, relevant work experience, and publications.
- Transcript or grade list for MSc education.
- Names and contact details of two referees (to be contacted only if invited for an interview).
- Availability for an online interview between April 29 and May 6.
Last Date to Apply
- Application Deadline: March 20, 2026, by 5 PM (CET).
