Fwd: 3 PhD positions at Ghent University

We are seeking three highly motivated PhD students at the Dept. of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University (Belgium), each for a 4-year contract. One candidate will be associated with the lab of Nico Boehler (funded by the FWO), and two candidates with the lab of Ruth Krebs (funded by an ERC starting grant). A common focus of our labs is the investigation of the effect of motivation on various cognitive functions on the behavioral and the neural level (see our webpages for related publications http://expsy.ugent.be/staff/cstaff.htm) Our department hosts several research groups in the realm of cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience, creating a dynamic research environment including regular internal talk series as well as presentations by invited speakers. We have access to state-of-the-art equipment including a research-dedicated 3-tesla MR scanner (Siemens), a Biosemi EEG system, as well as an MR-compatible EEG system, eye-tracking devices, and a TMS lab. All three positions will involve behavioral and fMRI experiments, but extensions to EEG and combined fMRI-EEG are possible. Content-wise, the project with Nico Boehler will investigate the role of reward effects on pro-active and re-active control during conflict resolution and response inhibition. The projects with Ruth Krebs are focused on the interaction between reward and emotion processing and the immediate and long-term effects of such interactions in different tasks. Candidates are expected to have a Master's degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a closely related discipline at the starting date. Experience with neuroimaging methods as well as programming skills would be an asset. The planned starting date for all three positions is October 1st 2015, although one of them could also start earlier. Salary is according to standard Belgian regulations (scholarship: ± €22.000,‐ net/year). Although the governing language at Ghent University is Dutch, knowledge of Dutch is not a pre-requisite. Interested candidates should send their CV, a motivation letter, and contact information of two potential referees (email address) to nico.boehler@ugent or ruth.krebs(a)ugent.be before February 15th 2015. Interviews will be held in March. Ruth Krebs, Nico Boehler Dept. of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University Henri Dunantlaan 2 9000 Ghent Belgium