PhD Position on Visual Attention in the VICI Project EyeMdifferent

There is an opening for a fully-funded PhD position in the AttentionLab of Stefan Van der Stigchel, professor in cognitive psychology at Utrecht University and principal investigator of the NWO VICI project ‘EyeMdifferent’.

Your job
In this project, we want to understand how individuals differ in how they employ visual attention to their external world, specifically focusing on the ‘spotlight of attention’. We map out individual differences and use this knowledge to develop better diagnostical tests for attentional problems in various disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder). We will perform large-scale online and in-person lab studies on individual differences in attentional processing, connecting these to personality traits and demographics, and incorporate this knowledge into theoretical attentional models. Methods will consist of psychophysics, eye movement-tracking, and EEG recordings. The project will run for four years (90% research, 10% teaching). You will become a part of our AttentionLab in which a group of postdocs and PhD candidates are working on similar topics. You will participate in the education program of the Helmholtz research school.

Your work will include 10% teaching tasks, such as the supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and seminars for courses related to experimental psychology. Of course, you will be guided and supported by your supervisor and colleagues.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative team member, who meets the following requirements:

• a (Research) Master’s degree in the field of experimental psychology, neuropsychology, cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, or equivalent programme;
• strong affinity for and experience with programming (i.e., Matlab, Python, or R);
• excellent knowledge of quantitative research and statistics and a high motivation to learn new methods;
• affinity with and good communication abilities for working in a multidisciplinary research team;
• high proficiency in written and spoken English (no Dutch required);
• interest and motivation to contribute to the teaching activities of the faculty.

We offer:

• a job for initially for one year with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36-40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €2,872 and €3,670 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development, leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities, as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences is one of the leading faculties in Europe providing research and academic teaching in cultural anthropology, educational sciences, interdisciplinary social science, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology. Almost 7,000 students are enrolled in a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programmes. The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences has some 1,100 faculty and staff members, all providing their individual contribution to the training and education of young talent and to the research into and finding solutions for scientific and societal issues. The faculty is located at Utrecht Science Park near the historical city centre of Utrecht.