Detecting the presence of objects in real-world scenes is remarkably more efficient than detecting the presence of objects in artificial arrays: a brief presentation of a natural scene is often enough to get the gist of the scene and detect multiple task-relevant objects as well. In this ERC-funded project we are interested in finding out what factors contribute to the efficiency of naturalistic vision, and how these are implemented in the human brain.

To address this topic, you will use fMRI and advanced analysis methods (e.g. multivariate decoding and hyperalignment) to study the representation of objects and scenes in the visual cortex, and characterise how top-down attention influences these representations.

Preference will be given to candidates with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, physics, computer science, or a related field, who have a strong motivation to pursue a scientific career. Extensive experience with fMRI and scientific programming (e.g. MATLAB, Python) is required. A background in vision and/or attention research is desirable.

the contract is for 2 years, renewable for another 2 years
- you will be classified as a Postdoctoral Researcher 3 in the Dutch university job-ranking system (UFO)
the maximum gross monthly starting salary is €3,722 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale 11);
Preferred start date: sometime in September 2018.

Radboud University

Strategically located in Europe, Radboud University is one of the leading academic communities in the Netherlands. A place with a personal touch, where top-flight education and research take place on a beautiful green campus in modern buildings with state-of-art facilities.

http://www.ru.nl

Faculty of Social Sciences

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre, which houses more than 600 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research in the Donders Institute is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, 4. Brain networks and neuronal communication.

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research conducted at the Donders Institute. Recently, the Donders Institute was assessed by an international evaluation committee as ‘excellent’ and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talents’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute.

No commercial propositions please.

http://www.ru.nl/donders/research/theme-2-perception/