Research Assistant Opportunities: Join the Ohmae lab at CIBR!

About the Lab

Our research group combines systems neuroscience and modern AI to study neocortico-cerebellar cognition.

We ask how the brain processes sequential information and learns through prediction-error to build abilities ranging from basic motor skills to higher cognitive functions, including language. We pursue this goal through an integrated approach that combines large-scale neuronal recordings from awake, behaving animals with deep learning–based computational modeling.

Core methods

• Large-scale neural recordings during cognitive tasks using Neuropixels (high-density, multi-channel electrode arrays) and calcium imaging (e.g., fiber photometry)

• Deep learning–based modeling: building biologically constrained ANN models and running simulations to uncover computational mechanisms in the brain.

Research themes (examples)

• Cerebellar sequence processing (mouse experiments)

• fMRI analysis of language and sequence processing (computational)

• Cerebellar BMI development (mouse experiments + computational)

We also take an AI-inspired neuroscience approach: our work suggests that modern AI—especially large language models (LLMs)—may share key computational principles with the brain (see our review “the brain–AI convergence” below). By comparing the two, we generate testable hypotheses and evaluate them experimentally.

We warmly invite people who share our vision to join our team. We particularly welcome candidates with expertise in systems neuroscience, animal experiments, neural data analysis, and/or computational modeling.

Ohmae lab at CIBR: https://cibr-ohmae.notion.site/Ohmae-CIBR-1b60786c909980158c35c544ae945d6c

Our Latest Works:

Emergence of syntax and word prediction in an artificial neural circuit of the cerebellum.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-44801-6

The brain-AI convergence: Predictive and generative world models for general-purpose computation.

https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.02419

About the PI

Dr. Ohmae earned his M.D. from Kyoto University in 2004 and his Ph.D. from Juntendo University in 2008. He conducted postdoctoral research at Hokkaido University and the University of Pennsylvania and later served as an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, where he received an NIH R34 grant. He investigates neocortico-cerebellar cognitive functions such as sequence and language processing, using large-scale neuronal recordings and AI-based modeling. Since March 2024, he has been serving as an Assistant Investigator at the Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing (CIBR).

Job Opportunity: Research Assistant

Job Description

1. Carry out physiological experiments, data analysis, and computer simulations/computational modeling.

2. Set up and maintain experimental equipment.

Specific duties will be determined based on the candidate’s expertise and project assignments.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, engineering, computer science, or a related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).

2. Demonstrated excellence in written and spoken English.

3. Strong communication and collaboration skills, including timely reporting of work progress and effective teamwork.

Application Method

Candidates should send their English CVs and cover letters to the following email address: shogo@cibr.ac.cn with CC to sohmae.jp@gmail.com keiko.kitaguchi@gmail.com