Research Engineer in Spiking Neural Networks and Predictive Coding

Job Reference: 20260921_CREATOR

Closing date: 30/09/2026

About CVC The Computer Vision Center (CVC) is a non-profit research center established in 1995 by the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Its mission is to carry out cutting-edge research that has the highest international impact in the field of computer vision. It also promotes the transference of knowledge to industry and society.

Computer vision is an exciting research area and an omnipresent technology, essentially empowering machines with the sense of vision. The CVC is a successful marriage between knowledge and innovation. In addition to our cutting-edge scientific achievements, we have established lasting ties with industrial partners and created several spin-off companies.

Context and Mission The brAIN (Bridging Research on Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience) group is looking for an engineer to collaborate on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience and curiosity. The position is associated with a broader project investigating the mechanisms through which curiosity promotes information seeking, learning, exploration and adaptation. The successful candidate will contribute technical expertise to the development of computational models linking neural dynamics with these behaviors.

The project is deliberately broad and will allow different questions and applications to be pursued according to the candidate’s expertise and interests.

They will work on the development, implementation and evaluation of spiking neural-network models using biologically plausible learning rules, with a particular interest in how such networks can implement predictive coding. The research may examine how predictions, expectations and prediction errors emerge through learning and shape subsequent processing or behavior. Possible activities include designing and running simulations,



analyzing network dynamics, comparing model behavior with empirical findings, and developing well-documented research software.

The precise focus may encompass areas such as temporal processing, sequence learning, novelty detection, exploration or adaptive decision-making.

This position is linked to the project CREATOR: Curiosity-based exploration as a foundation for creativity awarded to Olivier Penacchio, funded by Spanish Science Ministry (Project PID2025-175626NB-I00).

Key Duties

- Review the scientific literature on predictive coding and its underlying neural mechanisms.
- Develop and implement spiking neural network architectures to investigate how neural mechanisms may give rise to predictive-coding dynamics in response to sensory inputs, including music. The possible relevance of these dynamics to curiosity may also be explored.
- Evaluate the developed architectures on specific perceptual tasks, such as predicting rhythmic sensory sequences and detecting changes within them.

Requirements:

- Education
- Computer science degree (or a student finalizing the studies)
- Essential Knowledge and Professional Experience
- Previous experience in Spiking Neural Networks and Machine Learning.
- Knowledge of Computational Neuroscience and Computer Science.
- Good programming skills using Python and NEST Simulator.
- Additional Knowledge and Professional Experience
- Professional experience in Software Development in a Scientific Research environment.
- Programming skills in implementing Scientific Computational Modelling,



particularly on Computational Neuroscience field and Spiking Neural Networks.
- Experience on the modelling and study of perceptual inputs, such as audio signals.

- Competences
- Fluency in spoken and written English
- Ability to think creatively, work independently and make decisions.
- Ability to take initiative, prioritize and work under set deadlines and pressure
- The candidate must be an effective communicator, multitask, and work well on collaborative and interdisciplinary designs.

- Other merits
- Valuable experience in Catalan public research entities.
- Experience in submitting and presenting works in conferences or scientific journals.

- Evaluation of applications:

Candidatures that meet the above requirements will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- Requirements of the candidates (up to 60 points).
- Other merits (up to 30 points).
- Experience superior to that required in a similar position (10 points).

Conditions

- The position will be located at Computer Vision Center (Campus Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona).
- We offer a full-time contract (20h/week) temporary contract, a good environment, versátil working hours

- Duration: 6 months
- Salary in accordance with qualifications and experience of the candidate and to CVCs salary regulations.
- Starting date: October 1st, 2026

Applications procedure and process All applications must be sent through the online form and include a full CV and contact details.

Application Deadline:

a) the deadline for submitting applications is 30/09/2026.

b) The vacancy will remain open until a suitable candidate has been hired. Applications will be regularly reviewed and potential candidates will be contacted.

OTM-R Principles for Recruitment Processes

CVC is committed to the principles of Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) across all its recruitment processes. In 2015, we were awarded the HR Excellence in Research seal by the European Commission.

📌 Research Engineer in Spiking Neural Networks and Predictive Coding (Bellaterra)
🏢 Centre De Visio Per Computador
📍 Bellaterra