PhD Candidate: Computational Cognitive Neuroscience – Multisensory Perceptual Inference, Learning and Attention

Employment

1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 2,770 - € 3,539

Required background

Research University Degree

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

01 August 2024

Apply now

We conduct weekly interim selections; therefore, we advise you to apply in a timely manner. The vacancy will close on August 1st or earlier if we find a suitable candidate before then.

Are you fascinated by how the brain makes sense of the senses in a complex dynamic multisensory world? How it flexibly adapts to changes in its environment? Join our multidisciplinary team to study the computations and neural mechanisms of how the brain addresses some of the most fundamental challenges: perceptual decision making, inference, learning, attention and probabilistic/statistical computation.

Your research will combine computational modelling (Bayesian, neural network), psychophysics, and/or neuroimaging (fMRI, including ultra-high-field (7T) fMRI, MEG/EEG) to explore these processes.

As a PhD candidate, you will also have the opportunity to develop valuable skills by mentoring students, participating in international conferences, and collaborating with leading researchers in the field. We offer access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a 7T fMRI scanner, and a supportive environment for your academic and professional development. Your teaching load may be up to 5% of your working time.

Profile

• You have an MSc or BSc degree in neuroscience, cognitive neuroscience, psychology, computer science, physics, engineering, or a related field with a strong quantitative background.
• You are enthusiastic about research and excel academically.
• You have excellent data analysis and statistics skills and are proficient in relevant programming languages and software.
• Prior experience with psychophysics, fMRI, MEG/EEG or computational modelling (e.g. Bayesian, neural network) would be a plus.
• Prior research in perception, attention, statistical learning or related fields would be advantageous.
• You are proactive, self-motivated, enjoy working independently and are also a team player who thrives in a collaborative and open lab culture. 

We are

The PhD position is based in the Multisensory Perception,Learning and Attention lab (link is external) , headed by Prof. Uta Noppeney , at the Donders Centres for Cognitive Neuroimaging and Neuroscience . The lab aims to understand how the brain processes and interacts with the multisensory world. Research methods include computational modelling (Bayesian, neural network), psychophysics, and neuroimaging (fMRI, MEG, EEG, TMS).

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Cognitive Neuroimaging centre is equipped with four MRI scanners (7T, 3x 3T), a 275-channel MEG system, an EEG-TMS laboratory, several MR-compatible EEG systems, and high-performance computational facilities. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment with diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. The Donders Institute is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University, follow our Instagram account (link is external) and read stories from our colleagues.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.
We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.
Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1,5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €2,770 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,539 in the fourth year (salary scale P ).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service . The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

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Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Uta Noppeney. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. 

During the job posting period, the selection committee will screen all incoming applications and schedule interviews. You will therefore shortly receive feedback and information about the possible follow-up process. If an appropriate candidate has been found before the closing date, we will close the vacancy and take down the job posting. If you want to know the current state of play, please contact the named contact person.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure . It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. 

Apply now Application deadline 01 August 2024

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Would you like more information?
Prof. U. Noppeney (Uta)

Last modified: 06 June 2024
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