Motivation is the key to persistence and to learning that lasts. Student motivation, both typically and naturally, has to do with the student’s desire to participate in the learning process. Motivation reflects the reasons or goals underlying their involvement or non-involvement in academic activities. This two-year postdoctoral project focuses on (a) the underlying brain networks related to intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and (b) how autonomy, i.e. preferred interests in certain topics, can enhance learning.

For this position, we are looking for a creative person with an open mind, enthusiastic about the topic of motivation and learning in higher education, and sensitive to the needs and struggles that students and teachers might have regarding this topic. In addition, you should have:

• A PhD in a relevant field.
• A background in cognitive neuroscience, preferably including fMRI experience.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
• Experience with programming for data analysis.
• An interdisciplinary mind, open to discuss all current topics at the TLC.
• Organisational skills.
• Enthusiasm to organise events at the TLC and within SENse.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• A maximum gross monthly salary of € 4,402 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale 10 or 11, depending on experience and any research funding you have acquired).
• The exact salary depends on the candidate's qualifications and amount of relevant professional experience.
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: 2 years.
• The intended start date is 1 September 2020.
• 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

Radboud University aims to use the Radboud Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC) to facilitate and stimulate dialogue, inspiration and collaboration between lecturers in order to collectively strengthen the quality of education.

Three core activities are at the heart of the TLC:

• Development and innovation of education.
• Development of teachers.
• Development of research.

You will join an interdisciplinary group of researchers positioned at the Radboud Teaching and Learning Centre, and you will be appointed at the Donders Institute as a member of the Social Educational Neuroscience & AI group (SENse), which is working on the topic of Motivation for Learning. Creating close connections with other groups and faculties within Radboud University regarding the topic of motivation is part of this position.