Attentional selection in vision is thought to be mediated by top-down biases in favour of the target object, neurally instantiated through selective preparatory activity of the visual cortex (Battistoni, Stein, Peelen, 2017). In this PhD project, we will critically re-evaluate the role of preparatory activity in attentional selection, developing a paradigm that dissociates attention-related signals from cue- and task-related signals. Participants will perform this paradigm in fMRI, MEG and TMS studies. Data will be analysed using cutting-edge analysis methods both within and across neuroimaging modalities. You will be expected to contribute to all aspects of the project, developing and performing neuroimaging experiments that shed light on the neural mechanisms of attention.

• An MSc in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable experience with multiple neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, MEG/EEG, TMS) and scientific programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) is highly desirable.

Fixed-term contract: You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,395 per month, and will increase to €3,061 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, and 4. Neural computation and neurotechnology. Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been assessed by an international evaluation committee as excellent and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multi-disciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute. You will be part of the Donders Graduate School for Cognitive Neuroscience.