We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated post-doc candidate in Cognitive Neuroscience. The position is part of an ERC consolidator grant titled “Towards understanding human consciousness: How internal brain states and environmental context shape our subjective experience”. The position is embedded in the Conscious brain lab, and the project will be supervised by dr. Simon van Gaal, dr. Timo Stein, and colleagues. The conscious brain lab consists of several PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and staff members of departments of Psychology of the UvA and VU university, who all study the neural basis of consciousness, perception and/or related topics (see website for details).

The project
In this project we address the question how fluctuations in arousal shape the build-up of sensory representations and conscious experience of external sensory input. We know that perception and behavior are altered in active (e.g., running) and inactive states (e.g., drowsiness) compared to neutral states. However, these are only coarse and broad variations in arousal state, and we know now that much more subtle and rapid variations in our internal states can be identified. Pupil diameter (and ongoing neural dynamics, e.g. alpha-band EEG power) have been shown to reflect an indirect and continuous “read-out” of arousal, ranging from aroused (e.g., wide pupils) to unaroused (constricted pupils) levels. In this 1 year post-doc project we test how such spontaneous fluctuations in arousal (e.g., as measured by the pupil) affect our conscious perception. The project involves a combination of techniques, such as EEG/fMRI, pupil measures and computational modelling.

What are you going to do

• Perform behavioral and/or neuroimaging experiments;
• Gain knowledge of the field through literature survey, discussion with team members, and internal lab meetings;
• Contribute to the design of experiments and perform experiments;
• Analyse and interpret results of experiments;
• Present data at local, national and international scientific meetings;
• Assist in teaching undergraduates and Master’s students and co-supervise junior scientists (technicians, MSc/BSc students);
• Write scientific articles.

What do you have to offer
You are passionate about cognitive (neuro)science and interested in consciousness or related topics such as perception and decision making. You are a team player and a nice colleague with good communication skills as you will regularly join and present at lab meetings as well as at relevant (inter)national meetings.

Your experience and profile

• PhD in Experimental Psychology, (Cognitive) Neuroscience or related fields;
• Good and demonstrable skills in coding in either python, R, or Matlab;
• Good analytical, writing and presenting skills;
• Good project and time management skills enabling you to meet the projects’ deadlines for finishing analyses, reports and other deliverables;
• Eager to learn new things, high conscientiousness, flexibility, and a collaborative attitude;
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken;
• Preferably in-depth knowledge about the topic of consciousness or related topics such as (visual) perception, predictive processing, attention, and perceptual decision making;
• Preferably experience with data acquisition techniques such as eye-tracking, fMRI, or EEG;
• Preferably experience with neuroimaging and eye-tracking (e.g., EEG and fMRI) data analyses (e.g., mvpa decoding analyses, network analyses);
• Preferably experience with computational modelling.

What can we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 1 year (longer in case you prefer a parttime contract). The preferred starting date is between 1 October 2024 and 1 November 2024. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Your salary will range between €4.492 to €6.148 gross per month depending on your prior experience, on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at the Psychology department and specifically the program group Brain and Cognition, we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime);
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

About the faculty

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Want to know more about the Psychology Research institute? Read more here.

Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Timo Stein, assistant professor t.stein@uva.nl

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application by 1 October 2024. In your motivation letter you make it clear why you would like to be considered for the project. You can apply online via the button below.

Applications should include the following documents:

• a letter of motivation (max 500 words), including a concise statement regarding your fit for the position in light of the abovementioned requirements (max 300 words);
• an academic Curriculum Vitae (no longer than 3 pages). On your CV include the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation, in case necessary later on in the process (no letters of recommendation are necessary at this point);

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will take place the beginning of October.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

No agencies please.