Within the Neurobiology group of the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) at the University of Groningen, the Netherlands, a PhD research position is currently available.

The position is embedded in different international research programmes aiming at the identification of quantitative biological measures for social withdrawal in neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorders.

One mode of attempting to discover biological markers is the collection of behavioural data through personal mobile devices. Specifically developed for this programme, an initiative named “BEHAPP” is currently responsible for collecting behavioural data through smartphones of participants.

The selected candidate will perform research and development tasks in the domain of mobile device based passive behavioural monitoring. The aim is 1) to help reason about and analyze behavioural and genetic data of participants involved in the studies on the BEHAPP platform and 2) to help assist in realizing software components that perform these analyses in a standardized and repeatable way.

Research environment
Research will be performed in the Neurobiology group at the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), which comprises several other strong, internationally recognized research groups in the field of evolutionary biology and behavioural neuroscience.

The successful candidate has an MSc degree with experience in complex data analyses methods; preferable in the field of behaviour and/or genetics. The candidate knows his / her way around visualization and modeling techniques, having used tools such as R, Python, SAS, PLINK, and/or Matlab. Lastly, the candidate is critical on the appropriate application of methods (statistical, mathematical or machine learning) given a medical context of analysis.

Other preferred traits:
- good command of English (oral and written)
- team player
- excellent communication skills (indicated by the ability to write scientific paper and deliver presentations).

Fixed-term contract: 12 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,222.-gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,840.- gross per month in the final year, based on a full-time position. The position must result in a PhD thesis within the four-year contract period. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Groningen Graduate School of Science and Engineering. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of a three-year extension, conditional on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is expected.

How to apply

Applications must indicate the relevant vacancy number as indicated above and include a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, and contact information of three academic referees. Submissions will only be considered until 31 August 2017 Dutch local time. To apply, use the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).
Applicants are also requested to submit a list of examination marks. The positions will remain open until filled.

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Faculty of Science and Engineering

The research group Neurobiology is part of the Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES) in the Faculty of Science and Engineering of the University of Groningen (www.rug.nl/research/gelifes/).