Research Assistant – Neurophysiology, Behavioral Systems & Data Analysis
Are you motivated by scientific discovery and excited to work at the intersection of experimental neurophysiology, behavioral task design, and advanced data analysis? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research that investigates the neural basis of cognition using sophisticated experimental tools and modern data-science methods? If so, this position is for you!
The Laboratory of Computations of Cognition & Control (C³) at the International Center for Primate Brain Research (ICPBR), CEBSIT, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), studies neural mechanisms of cognitive control and decision making. The lab conducts multi-areal laminar recordings in frontal cortex, providing access to rich, layer-resolved datasets for advancing our understanding of cognitive computations. The lab is also building a free-moving experimental platform for studying complex naturalistic behavior using motion-tracking systems.
We are seeking a full-time Research Assistant (RA) with a balanced profile in neurophysiology experimentation and data analytics. You will support high-level research on cognitive control and adaptive behavior in animal models, while also contributing meaningfully to data processing, visualization, and statistical modeling using advanced data science tools.
This position is ideal for someone who wants to grow into a multidisciplinary role spanning hands-on experimental neuroscience and computational analysis. Flexibility is occasionally required, including after-hours work during key experimental periods.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Neurophysiology & Experimental Systems
- Set up and maintain neurophysiology rigs, including laminar probes, head-fixed systems, and free-moving recording setups
- Assist with the design and implementation of behavioral tasks (Psychtoolbox, Python, Unity, or similar)
- Operate and calibrate eye trackers, cameras, and biosensors
- Conduct daily experimental sessions and ensure data quality
- Work with animal models in cognitive, visuomotor, and reward-based tasks in alignment with institutional ethical standards
- Troubleshoot equipment, behavioral devices, and software during experiments
Data Analysis & Computational Tools
- Preprocess and analyze multimodal datasets (behavior, eye tracking, LFP, spiking signals)
- Apply statistical and machine learning techniques, including: dimensionality reduction, regression, time-series analysis, and Bayesian inference
- Implement reproducible code in MATLAB and Python for data pipelines
- Visualize multidimensional data and prepare figures for lab meetings and publications
- Contribute to data documentation, code management, and Git/GitHub workflows
Collaboration & Scientific Support
- Work closely with the PI and research team to refine task parameters and analysis strategies
- Participate in lab meetings, data discussions, and methodological planning
- Provide technical support for experiments requiring precise timing, synchronization, and stimulus control
- Occasionally support after-hours experimental sessions when required by study timelines
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
- Strong motivation to work on scientific questions involving neurophysiology and cognition
- Strong programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python
- Familiarity with machine learning tools and algorithms used in behavioral or neural data analysis
- Experience in experimental psychology, biology, cognitive neuroscience, or related fields with demonstrated programming proficiency
- Familiarity with behavioral task structure, timing, and data handling
- Strong organization, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills
- Comfortable communicating in English in a research environment
- Demonstrates initiative beyond explicit instructions, proactively identifying needs and opportunities to improve workflows
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with electrophysiology (LFP/spiking) or neural signal acquisition
- Familiarity with eye-tracking systems (EyeLink, Pupil Labs)
- Exposure to free-moving behavior setups and motion-tracking tools (e.g., DeepLabCut)
- Knowledge of neural recording hardware (TDT, Blackrock, Neuropixels)
- Skills in advanced data analysis (dimensionality reduction, Bayesian modeling, ML-based methods)
- Experience with version control workflows (Git/GitHub)
- Experience interfacing between devices, software, and recording systems
Salary and Benefits
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive full consideration and will be evaluated solely based on their abilities. We offer a competitive salary, health insurance, and welfare benefits.
Application Instructions:
Applicants should submit a Curriculum Vitae (English), Transcript, and Cover Letter (English). Please submit your application before December 22nd 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to early submissions. Please send materials to Dr. Sajad (amir.sajad@icpbr.ac.cn).
The email subject line should follow the format:
“Name + Research Assistant – Neurophysiology & Data Analysis.”
All application materials will be kept confidential. Eligible candidates will be notified regarding interview arrangements. Salary, benefits, and employment terms follow CEBSIT/CAS regulations.