3 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (Neocybernetics Lab)

The recruitment process for this call is now closed

Offer Description

Champalimaud Foundation (Fundação D. Anna de Sommer Champalimaud e Dr. Carlos Montez Champalimaud), a private, non-profit research institution in Lisbon, Portugal, is looking for three three Postdoctoral Research Fellows to join our team.

Selected applicants will join a consortium of neuroscientists and engineers working on a recently awarded multi-institution project to develop approaches to “steer” neural dynamics using neurostimulation, with the ultimately goal of influencing behaviour in health and disease (Source offinancing: ARIA SCNI-PR01-P09 - Project Precision 4D Control of Cortical Circuit Function).

These postdoctoral researchers will lead the analysis and modelling of large-scale, multi-region neural population recordings from nonhuman primates and human participants performing motor and cognitive tasks using a variety of techniques ranging from linear algebra methods to dynamical systems theory and neural network models. They are also expected to collaborate in the design of control theoretic approaches for “neural steering,” and will have the opportunity to be involved in experiments conducted by collaborator labs in Newcastle University and University of Oxford. Project responsibilities will be divided among researchers, and all three will have the opportunity — and are expected — to lead their own subproject.

Successful applicants will join the recently established Neocybernetics lab at Champalimaud Foundation (website). The lab, led by Dr Juan Gallego, includes a diverse team of experimental and computational systems neuroscientists working in motor control, motor learning, neural interfaces for basic science and translational applications, as well as theoretical frameworks to understand nervous system function. 

Primary location of work

Champalimaud Center for the Unknown

Application closing date

30 November 2025 or until suitable candidates are found
 

Expected position starting date

As soon as possible

Requirements

Research Field: Neurosciences, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering
Education Level: PhD or equivalent

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Hold a PhD degree in Neuroscience, Physics, Mathematics, or Engineering with a focus on computational systems neuroscience or theoretical neuroscience, or be about to receive it.

Specific Requirements

- Proven track record in methods for analysing and/or modelling high-dimensional datasets, comprising behavioural or neural data, e.g., in the form of preprints or scientific publications.

- A solid foundation in linear algebra. Working knowledge of machine learning methods, including “decoding techniques”. Experience in scientific programming in Python, and/or Matlab/Julia.

- Experience in scientific presentations.

- Ability to synthesise knowledge and engage in scientific conversation (this will be probed during the interview by assigning applicants a paper to discuss).

- Good written and oral communication skills.

Desirable skills that will also be considered 

- Experience writing “low-level code”, e.g., C, C++, microcontroller programming languages.

- Experience with control theory/engineering.

- Experience with dynamical systems.

- Experience with methods for behavioural analysis.

- Experience with recurrent neural network models of neural recordings.

- Experience with information theoretic or graph theory approaches.

Languages

ENGLISH
Level: Excellent

Benefits

Offered conditions

- Competitive remuneration package commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.

- Full immersion into a research excellence ecosystem with highly motivated researchers, supported by state-of-the-art technology and continuous development opportunities.

Maximum allowable duration of the contract including the respective renewals Initial duration: 12 months with possibility of renewal for until the end of the project in January 2029.

Eligibility criteria

- Evaluation and selection criteria (respecting article 37 of Decree-Law No. 63/2019, of 16 May)

- Candidates will be screened to determine eligibility based on minimum qualifications listed in call.

- Candidates meeting minimum requirements will be scored according to the required application materials.

- CV 50% weighting, motivation letter 10%, interview 40%.

- When tied, the result of the interview is then the sole evaluation criteria (basic documentation required). If no tie, holding of interviews at the discretion of the Evaluation Committee.

- If provided, and if shortlisted, candidates’ referees may be contacted and may count towards evaluation.

Selection process

Application materials

- CV and letter of motivation

- Proof of qualifications (certificates) may be required at a later date for the formalisation of the contract agreement.

- Degrees obtained abroad may need to be formally recognised in Portugal.

Evaluation Committee Members

Dr Juan Gallego

Prof Andrew Jackson (Newcastle University, Project Coordinator)

Champalimaud PI to be confirmed

How to apply

Format: Candidates must complete the standard application form and submit a single annexed PDF document containing the application materials stated in the call. Call ref. "3Postdoc Position Gallego Oct2025".

Applications are also accepted in paper, sent or handed to the HR & Fellows Support Office at the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal.

Notification of results

All candidates will receive a receipt of acknowledgment within 7-10 business days. The highest scoring candidate will be notified by email or telephone. All other candidates will be notified solely by email of the final outcome of the recruitment process.

After being notified, candidates will have 10 working days to present a claim for redress by email (careers@research.fchampalimaud.org). If no claim is received by the Champalimaud Foundation, the Evaluation Committee's decision will become definitive.

About Us

Research is at the heart of the Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, a modern research and clinical facility situated on the waterfront in Lisbon, Portugal. The goal of Champalimaud Research (CR) is to perform world-leading fundamental and translational research. Current research work is focused on the fields of neuroscience, physiology and cancer.  Champalimaud Research comprises a team of over 400 scientists from around the world. English is the official language of the Centre. Lisbon’s sunny Atlantic Mediterranean climate, vibrant culture and high quality of life make this a great place to live and work.

Relevant Institutional Information

In line with our community guidelines and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy and Gender Equality Plan, no candidate may be privileged, favoured, prejudiced or deprived of any right or excluded from any duty on the basis of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, chronic illness, language, nationality, territory of origin, family status (marital, pregnancy and maternity, having or not having dependents), socioeconomic situation, education, religion, political or ideological beliefs,  trade union membership, or on any other grounds which are irrelevant to decision-making.

Legal Notices

The present call has the sole purpose of filling the indicated research position. This call may be canceled at any time on or before the jury’s evaluation of all eligible candidates and the recruitment process shall be concluded on the day of the full execution of the contract between the Champalimaud Foundation and the selected candidate.