The waking state is characterized by constant, sometimes large, fluctuations in arousal level. Recent research suggests that such fluctuations in arousal account for a large proportion of the variability in task performance and spontaneous patterns of cortical activity (cortical state). However, the exact ways in which arousal affects the human brain, mind and behavior are still poorly understood. The major aim of the proposed research is to characterize the computational and neural mechanisms by which moment-to-moment fluctuations in arousal affect cognitive functions and cortical state. 

We will manipulate arousal level (e.g., using pharmacology) or monitor spontaneous arousal fluctuations in human subjects, during rest and during the performance of challenging cognitive tasks. We will examine whether these changes in arousal are accompanied by activity changes in the tiny human brainstem nuclei that regulate arousal. Furthermore, we will examine the impact of changes in arousal on cognitive control, learning, and global patterns of cortical brain activity, as assessed with neuroimaging methods. Finally, we will use computational models to examine the mechanisms by which arousal impacts cognitive task performance and cortical state.

The project is titled "The impact of arousal on cognitive function and cortical state" and is part of a research program funded by a Vici grant of the Netherlands Organisation for  Scientific Research. The abstract described above concerns the entire research program. The PhD student will be a member of a team of six, closely collaborating researchers. The research group will participate in the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), an interfaculty center for interdisciplinary research on brain and cognition (https://www.libc-leiden.nl).

Key responsibilities

• Literature study, development and execution of behavioral and neuroimaging studies;
• Report results at conferences and in international journals, leading to a PhD dissertation;
• Supervise BSc and MSc thesis projects;
• Participate in the Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC).

• Master degree in cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience or closely related field;
• Experience or affinity with neuroimaging techniques and computational modeling;
• Programming experience (e.g., Matlab);
• Excellent research and writing skills;
• Excellent command of English.

We offer a four year (one year plus a further three years after a positive evaluation) year term position.
Salary range from €2325 in the first year to €2972 gross per month in the fourth year (pay scale P, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses(8.3 %), training and career development. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions. 

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences comprises four institutes: Education and Child Studies, Political Science, Psychology and Cultural Anthropology & Development Sociology. The Faculty also includes the Centre for Science and Technology Studies. The Faculty is home to 5,000 students and 600 members of staff. Our teaching and research programmes cover diverse topics varying from adoption to political behaviour. For more information, see http://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/social-behavioural-sciences.

For research in our institute we offer an exciting research environment including EEG, fMRI, eye tracking, virtual reality, and brain stimulation. For more information see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/social-behavioural-sciences/psychology/cognitive-psychology and http://www.libc-leiden.nl/.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/social-behavioural-sciences