Fwd: [SPM] PhD position at the Donders Institute, Nijmegen

FYI ------------------------------------- PhD position on 'Bridging the Gap between Neuronal Activity and Neuroimaging' (1,0 fte) *Donders Institute, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging* *Maximum salary: € 2,612 gross/month* *Vacancy number: 30.08.11* *Closing date: 1 January 2012* *Responsibilities* The Neuronal Oscillation group and the MR Techniques in Brain Function group at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, have funding available for a PhD position, aimed at quantitative evaluation of neuroimaging signal characteristics resulting from activity of neurons in the working human brain. The human brain is composed of multiple regions that are flexibly engaged and disengaged depending on the cognitive task performed. Each of these regions comprises large numbers of neurons that interact non-linearly. A fundamental question in cognitive neuroscience is how the connections and interactions of the neurons shape the functional architecture of the working brain. At the Donders Institute this question is addressed experimentally by measuring cognitive signals by means of magneto-encephalography (MEG), electro-encephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). You will work on this project from a complementary perspective, using computer simulation to investigate which plausible networks of neurons can explain measured signals. You will use and extend numerical software developed at the institute and elsewhere. Your results will improve the interpretation of measured cognitive signals. You will focus on positive and negative spatial and temporal correlations between various signals obtained in cognitive experiments. *Work environment* The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour consists of the Centre for Cognition, the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging and the Centre for Neuroscience. The mission of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging is to conduct cutting-edge fundamental research in cognitive neuroscience. Much of the rapid progress in this field is being driven by the development of complex neuroimaging techniques for measuring activity in the human working brain - an area in which the Centre plays a leading role. The research themes cover central cognitive functions such as perception, action, control, decision making, attention, memory, language, learning and plasticity. The Centre also aims to establish how the different brain areas coordinate their activity with very high temporal precision to enable human and animal cognition. This internationally renowned centre currently employs more than 100 PhD students and post-doctoral researchers of more than 20 different nationalities, offering a stimulating and multidisciplinary research environment. The centre is equipped with three MRI scanners (7T, 3T, 1.5T), a 275-channel MEG system, an EEG-TMS laboratory, several (MR-compatible) EEG systems, and high-performance computational facilities. English is the lingua franca at the centre. You will work within a joint project of the Neuronal Oscillations group and the MR Methods for Cognitive Neuroscience group at the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, and the Neuroinformatics department at the Centre for Neuroscience. *What we expect from you* You should have a Master’s degree (or equivalent). Applicants with a background in neuroscience should be willing to acquire the mathematical and numerical skills required to simulate complex systems. Applicants with a background in mathematics, physics or computer science should be willing to develop in-depth knowledge of cognitive neuroscience and physiology. You are enthusiastic to understand the dynamic properties of the human brain and to probe the interaction between different regions, all on the basis of what is known of the physiology of the brain. Furthermore, you are prepared to take courses and workshops offered at the Donders Graduate School for Cognitive Neuroscience to bring your knowledge of cognitive neuroscience up to the standard required. You should be willing to work in a multidisciplinary environment in which the results and methods from various disciplines, ranging from natural to behavioural sciences, are integrated. And you are eager to work with us at the cutting edge of science, where your personal commitment and skills are both essential and appreciated. Proficiency in oral and written English is essential. You are expected to work in a team, sharing technical know-how and ideas. *What we have to offer* We offer you: - employment: 1,0 fte; - a maximum gross monthly salary of € 2,612 based on a 38-hour working week; - in addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus; - The starting salary is €2,042 per month and will increase to €2,612 per month in the fourth year; - duration of the contract: 4 years. Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions <http://www.ru.nl/english/arbeidsvoorwaarden>? *Other Information* This vacancy was advertised earlier this year in July/August. If you applied for this position at the time and were rejected, please do not apply again. *Would you like to know more?* Further information on: DCCN <http://www.ru.nl/donders> Prof. dr. Jan van der Eerden, project leader Telephone: +31 24 3614602 E-mail: j.vandereerden(a)donders.ru.nl <mailto:j.vandereerden@donders.ru.nl> Dr. Ole Jensen, PI Neuronal Oscillation group Telephone: +31 24 3610884 E-mail: ole.jensen(a)donders.ru.nl <mailto:ole.jensen@donders.ru.nl> *Applications* Are you interested? Please submit an application letter, a CV, and the names of two persons who can provide references. Please explain your interest in neuroscience and the above mentioned scientific approaches in your application letter. It is Radboud University Nijmegen's policy to only accept applications by e-mail. Please send your application, /stating vacancy number 30.08.11/, to vacatures(a)dpo.ru.nl <mailto:vacatures@dpo.ru.nl>, for the attention of Prof. dr. Jan van der Eerden, before 1 January 2012. For more information on the application procedure: + 31 24 3611173