Post-Doctoral Position in Neuroimaging of Adult Processing of Infant Cries

Department of Psychology, Neurolinguistics
Post-Doctoral Position in Neuroimaging of Adult Processing of Infant Cries
80-100 %
The neurolinguistics group in the department of psychology investigates the neural basis of language, with a focus on the speech perception, literacy and multilingualism, using multiple methodologies. Cutting-edge research facilities are available within the Linguistics Research Infrastructure and the Institute for Biomedical Engineering. The successful candidate will benefit from an inspiring multidisciplinary research environment thanks to close contact with the NCCR Evolving Language, the Zurich Centre for Linguistics and the Zurich Centre for Neuroscience. The project is supervised by Prof. Dr. Alexis Hervais-Adelman (Neurolinguistics, UZH) in collaboration with Prof. Dr. Kathleen Wermke (University of Würzburg) and Prof. Dr. Volker Dellwo (Phonetics, University of Zurich).
Your responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of a series of investigations in a new research line that focuses on infant cries as communicative behaviours that are precursors of speech. They will develop experiments (online behavioural, eye-tracking, and fMRI), manage their execution and analysis and will be responsible for the dissemination of results at conferences and in journal articles. Supervision of master's students and assistants on the project is expected. Teaching opportunities in the field neurolinguistics available if desired.
The role encompasses experimental design and execution and data analysis for an exciting new project that seeks to investigate how acoustic and linguistic features in infants' cries influence adult responses to infants. A particular focus is the observation that newborns cry with an accent that reflects the pitch accent of the language of their gestational environment. A central question is whether this is beneficial to the newborn. The project involves a series of experiments examining acoustic determinants of infant cry salience and aversiveness using overt and covert behavioural measures, as well as an fMRI series investigating how the identified dimensions affect cerebral responses in potential care-givers (i.e. adult listeners).
Your profile
You have a strong track record in functional and structural neuroimaging in the field of auditory perception, with a desire to engage in highly interdisciplinary work and to develop methodological expertise. You are motivated to use your skills to find new ways to address fundamental questions in the evolution of human vocal communication.
Requirements:

• PhD in cognitive neuroscience
• A strong academic track record, including publications in leading journals in the field
• Experience with all aspects of fMRI (experimental design, execution and analysis)
• Experience in digital signal processing for auditory psychophysics
• Programing of experiments and analysis (Python or Matlab)
• Excellent communication skills (Fluency in written and spoken English)
• A proactive and goal-directed attitude, good organizational skills

Desirable:

• Experience with eye-tracking
• Fluent (Swiss-)German

What we offer
We offer a three-year post-doc position with salary according to SNF guidelines. A stimulating and diverse research project and the opportunity to contribute actively to the development of the research program. Diversity and inclusion are core values at the University of Zurich.
Place of work
Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Universität Zürich-Nord, Binzmühlestrasse 14, 8050 Zürich, Switzerland
Start of employment
Desired start to employment: February 2022, negotiable by a few months. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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