Post-Doctoral Position in Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and Degraded Speech Comprehension

Department of Psychology, Neurolinguisics
Post-Doctoral Position in Transcranial Electrical Stimulation and Degraded Speech Comprehension
80-100 %
The neurolinguistics group in the department of psychology investigates the neural basis of language, using a multi-methodological approach to address a broad range of questions in speech language and multilingualism. One main focus is on mechanisms that support degraded speech comprehension, and how these may be enhanced, for which we seek to fill a vacancy for an enthusiastic Post-Doc. The group is multidisciplinary and provides a stimulating and inspiring environment, with close links to the NCCR Evolving Language, the Zurich Centre for Linguistics and the Zurich Centre for Neuroscience. Cutting-edge research facilities and support are available onsite within the recently-opened Linguistics Research Infrastructure.
Your responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation of a series of investigations that employ tES to probe the role of top-down mechanisms in degraded speech comprehension, with a focus on motor and premotor contributions.You will handle the development and execution of experimental protocols for speech perception experiments involving concurrent auditory and non-invasive electrical stimulation. You will be responsible for data analysis and dissemination at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Supervision of master's students, interns and assistants on the project is expected. Teaching opportunities in the field neurolinguistics available if desired.
The position is especially suitable for a researcher who enjoys an applied component to their work alongside basic research. You will be part of a highly interdisciplinary team that uses EEG and MRI alongside brain stimulation to elucidate the broad brain networks of speech comprehension and the functional contribution of articulatory motor cortex to restoring intelligibility to degraded speech.
Your profile
You have a strong track record in neurostimulation, including hands-on experience with tES and are confident in developing and implementing tES protocols. You have experience with digital signal processing in the domain of speech, and an interest in exploring the potential for neurostimulation approaches to enhance degraded speech comprehension. You have excellent communication skills and can work well with collaborators from multiple disciplines. You are able to communicate scientific goals to members of the public, including potential volunteers.
Requirements:

• PhD in cognitive neuroscience or related discipline
• A strong academic track record, including publications in leading journals in the field
• Experience with all aspects of transcranial electrical stimulation (experimental design, execution and analysis)
• A strong interest in degraded speech processing
• Experience with digital signal processing for speech signals
• Advanced analysis and programming skills (Python or Matlab)
• Excellent communication skills (Fluency in written and spoken English)
• A proactive and goal-directed attitude, good organizational skills

Desirable:

• Fluent (Swiss-)German

What we offer
We offer a two-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: March 2022, negotiable by a few months. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
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