The Department of Biological Psychology, in the Institute of Psychology, at the University of Münster, Germany, invites applications for two positions as
Doctoral Research Associates
(E13 TV-L, 65%)
in cognitive neuroscience. The contracts will start as soon as possible and by 1 October 2022 at the latest. We are offering the fixed-term part-time positions (65% FTE) for three years.
You are invited to join a collaborative research team researching predictive mechanisms in
the human brain and behaviour (http://www.uni-muenster.de/PsyIFP/AESchubotz/en/index.html). We are interested in the classification of different types of prediction: in statistical and semantic knowledge feeding predictions, and in learning and adaptation processes triggered by prediction errors. We use neuroimaging (fMRI), electrophysiological (EEG, EDA) and intervention techniques (TMS) in healthy subjects and impaired populations (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, Asperger autism, dementia).
Your tasks: The positions are tied to working towards a doctorate. The candidates will be engaged in the project
Learning from quantified episodic prediction errors: Individual biases in gist revision
This project is part of the DFG research unit 2812 “Constructing Scenarios of the Past: A New Framework in Episodic Memory” at the Ruhr University Bochum and the University of Münster. The research unit studies the cognitive and neuronal mechanisms underlying the constructed scenarios that make up episodic memory. It employs and combines approaches from philosophy and psychology, as well as experimental and computational neuroscience.
The project uses fMRI to investigate the neuronal correlates and dynamics of recalling faithful and modified episodic memories. We seek to understand the conditions that render the memory of a truly experienced episode more or less susceptible to later modification. To this end, the two PhD students will work in close collaboration.
Our expectations: Applicants should hold an above-average MSc in neuroscience/psychology/biology or related fields and have already shown a strong motivation for cognitive neuroscience. Prior experimental experience in neuroimaging or electrophysiological methods would be highly valuable. The candidates will be required to engage in programming (MatLab, presentation, and fMRI-specific tools). German language skills would be advantageous, but are not a requirement.
The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities.
The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions.
To apply, send your CV, a brief description of research interests, list of publications, and the names of two potential references, as a single PDF file, to Ricarda Schubotz, rschubotz@uni-muenster.de.
Applications will be considered until 30 June 2022.