The project aims to investigate emotion-induced bodily and neurophysiological biomarkers using a multi-modal approach that integrates psychometric, physiological, and postural data. It includes the analysis of neurophysiological responses (e.g., EEG, electrodermal activity) alongside postural recordings derived from force plate measurements. These measures will help establish a comprehensive framework to assess well-being, confidence, and emotional engagement.

As a postdoc, you will play a critical role in designing and conducting experiments that explore how emotions influence postural and neurophysiological responses. Key tasks will include the collection and analysis of data such as EEG signals, galvanic skin response, and center-of-pressure (COP) indices, which capture postural activity and emotional states. Your work will contribute to understanding the dynamic interplay between emotion, cognition, and bodily responses in interactive environments.

You will collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team and with international collaborators as part of a large European consortium project related to the transformative nature of cultural items (e.g., in a museum). The role requires expertise in processing and analyzing multimodal data, particularly in integrating spatiotemporal postural dynamics with neurophysiological and psychometric indicators.

For further inquiries about the position, feel free to contact dr Nadia Dominici (n.dominici@vu.nl) and dr John Stins (j.f.stins@vu.nl).

Your duties

• Conduct a review of the existing literature and generate innovative research ideas related to emotion-induced biomarkers and postural responses
• Collaborate and participate in regular meetings with international collaborators as part of a large European consortium project, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and alignment of research objectives
• Co-design and implement experiments that integrate EEG, GSR, force plate data, and psychometric assessments, overseeing data collection in laboratory settings
• Analyze and curate multimodal data, including neurophysiological signals, postural indices, and subjective measures, using advanced analytical techniques
• Present findings at local, national, and international conferences, contributing to the scientific dissemination of results and project deliverables
• Prepare and publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment by supporting colleagues and contributing to the collective goals of the project.

• You have successfully completed a PhD in movement science, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or related fields. Candidates nearing the completion of their PhD are also encouraged to apply
• You have a strong affinity with the topics of the postdoc project, including emotion-induced biomarkers and postural responses
• You have demonstrable experience in designing and interpreting experiments, with expertise in quantitative research methods such as EEG, force plate data analysis, and other physiological measures
• You possess proficient programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent software for data analysis and processing
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• You are a collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communicative abilities
• Affinity with art and cultural heritage is an advantage

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10:0) and maximum € 4.383,00 (Scale 10:6) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1 FTE. Your employment contract will last 13 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance).

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

About the team

The META-MUSEUM project at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) is led by Dr. Nadia Dominici and Dr. John Stins and is part of a broader European Horizon collaboration involving academic partners and museums across Europe. This provides an excellent opportunity to participate in regular interaction and collaboration meetings with both academic and cultural heritage institutions, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and innovation.

The project is hosted by the NeuroControl and Prevention and Rehabilitation group within the Department of Human Movement Sciences at VU. The group specializes in research on neuromotor control, cognition, emotion, personality, and psychopathology, with a particular focus on how these aspects influence the organization of movement and balance regulation. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, including equipment for EEG and postural assessments, enabling cutting-edge investigations.

As part of an international European consortium, the team places a strong emphasis on collaboration and exchange. Regular departmental meetings, colloquia, and workshops are complemented by consortium-organized events, providing an enriching environment for research and professional development. The group fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, valuing quality research, personal growth, and team collaboration. The lingua franca is English, reflecting the diverse and international makeup of the team.

Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences
Developing knowledge for an active, healthy and meaningful life: that is our mission at the Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences at VU Amsterdam. We maintain a broad focus on the fields of behaviour and health. Our teaching and research programmes are devoted to current developments in society. From healthy aging to e-health, and from training top athletes to social media as a teaching tool. We combine three academic disciplines: psychology, movement sciences and education. A multidisciplinary approach allows us to arrive at a better understanding of human behaviour and movement. Our aims are to help people live healthier lives, learn better and function better.

Are you interested in joining Behavioural and Movement Sciences? You are the kind of person who feels at home working in an ambitious faculty, with an informal atmosphere and short lines of communication. We offer you all the space you need for personal development.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our research field? 

Please apply via the formal application route and upload your curriculum vitae and motivation letter before January 15, 2025. In your motivation letter, please devote (at least) one paragraph stating what you have investigated so far, and another paragraph outlining what you would hope to investigate if you would be hired for the advertised position. Finally, please also include the contact information of two references in your letter.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.