PhD Position on the Neurophysiological Mechanisms of Sensory Hypersensitivity

13 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Cultural studies

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

25 Feb 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate for a four-year PhD position at the Department of Experimental Psychology at Utrecht University. Do you have a strong interest in the underlying mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity? Maybe this is the perfect opportunity for you!

Your job
In this project of PI’s Nathan van der Stoep and Chris Paffen , we want to investigate the underlying mechanisms of sensory hypersensitivity, a condition that affects about 20% of neurotypical population and 60-80% of people with acquired brain damage. Because of the lack of knowledge about the underlying mechanisms, there are currently no diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments available. In this project, we will use a variety of psychophysical and electrophysiological methods to test the hypothesis that hypersensitivity arises at early stages of sensory processing and is modulated by stress and (hyper-)arousal. Methods include psychophysics, EEG, lesion-overlap analysis, skin-conductance, and non-invasive fluid analysis (i.e. saliva). The project will run for four years (90% research, 10% teaching). You will participate in the PhD education programme of the Helmholtz research school .

Your work will include 10% teaching tasks, such as the supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and seminars for courses related to experimental psychology. Of course, you will be guided and supported in this by your supervisor and colleagues.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative team member, who meets the following requirements:

• a (Research) Master’s degree in the field of experimental psychology, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, or equivalent programme;
• a strong affinity with and experience in programming (i.e., Matlab, Python, or R);
• excellent knowledge of quantitative research and statistics and a high motivation to learn new methods;
• affinity with and good communication abilities for working in a multidisciplinary research team;
• high proficiency in written and spoken English (Dutch not required);
• interest and motivation to contribute to the teaching activities of the department.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

• a position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 38 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .

Selection process

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

Additional comments

For more information, please contact Dr Nathan van der Stoep at [email protected] or Dr Chris Paffen at [email protected] .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/337656/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CS

Street

Heidelberglaan 1

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/337656/phd-position-on-the-neurophysiologic…

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED