Job description

You will join a collaborative project (FHML-Mhens UMC+/FPN-CN UM) that aims to gain insights into the neural circuits and correlates of learning and memory in epilepsy patients undergoing Electro-Corticography (ECoG). Intracranial electrodes (ECoG) are used in rare cases of epilepsy to exactly identify the seizure onset zone and eloquent cortical areas. Electrodes are implanted into the hippocampus and over various cortical locations for several days while epileptic activity is monitored. In this period, cognitive testing is possible.

You will be the junior researcher in this project. There will be two core projects. First you will study learning and memory by analyzing a large existing data library to gain basic insights into ongoing cortico-hippocampal interactions during the wake-sleep cycle. The outcomes of the intended analyses will also provide a test of a new theory of synchronization that we have advanced, which permits quantitative predictions of synchronization properties based on estimations of detuning and connectivity among communicating populations (Dynamic Frequency Matching). In the second core project, you will use language and other stimuli to study memory encoding, consolidation, interference, and retrieval in terms of frequency bands involved and cross-frequency coupling, during controlled experiments aimed at linking signatures of oscillatory activity and synchronization to behavioral memory performance. You will develop these cognitive tests and apply them in the patients to collect the new data.

This project (48 months) has been funded by the Center for Integrative Neuroscience. Applications can be submitted until the position is filled. The project will start as soon as possible after the selection of an excellent candidate, and no later than September 30th, 2018.

Requirements

• You will have (or expect to have by summer of 2018) a Masters degree in Neuroscience, Psychology, Medicine, Engineering,  or a related field.

• You will have a demonstrated interest in studying fields related to the project such as language, perception, learning, neuronal communication, from a neuroscientific basis

• You will have good knowledge of statistics and programming, and excellent (English) verbal and writen skills.

• You will have good communication and interpersonal skills to work in a multidisciplinary team and with participants and patients. Spoken Dutch will be considered and an advantage but is not a requirement.

• You are able to work independently, to take initiatives and capable of managing deadlines.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Temporary employment for 4 years.

Your salary will be € 2.222,- gross per month in the first year up to € 2.840,- gross per month in the fourth year according to the PhD-student salary scale.

Each year an evaluation will take place.

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply.

For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl , Support/UM employees/Employment conditions.

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 16,500 students and 4,000 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

Department of Cognitive Neuroscience

The Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) department in Maastricht combines research in human perception and cognition with the development of advanced methods in neuroscience. Various brain imaging methods are employed to describe and predict behaviour, such as single cell recording, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electro- and magneto-encephalography (EEG and MEG). Furthermore, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and neurofeedback are being used to manipulate behaviour.

The research is embedded in the Maastricht Brain Imaging Center (M-BIC) and involves international and inter-disciplinary collaborations among psychologists, neuroscientists, bioengineers, IT experts, radiologists and neurologists.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/web/Faculties/PsychologyAndNeuroscience/Theme/Research/DepCognitiveNeuroscience.htm