What you will be doing
At the sub-millimeter scale, also called meso-scale, our brains are organized in structures such as cortical layers and columns. These are too small to resolve with ‘standard’ neuroimaging techniques. A key advantage brought by ultra-high field MRI is the possibility to increase the spatial resolution at which data is acquired. This has opened a new set of opportunities for neuroscience, allowing investigators to map the human cortex at the mesoscale level.

At the Computational Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuroimaging group of the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, research is centered on the intersection of human perception, cognition and neuroimaging. Our ultimate goal is to understand how neural computations result in visual perception and cognition. We are looking for an outstanding PhD student to realize improvements in MRI acquisitions and apply these in neuroimaging project designed to strengthen our understanding of brain function at the mesoscale.

The PhD project will focus on undersampling techniques for sub-millimeter functional MRI acquisitions and their application in various cognitive neuroscience projects.

We are looking for a researcher that combines a vivid interest in both MRI physics and (cognitive) neuroscience. The ideal candidate will have, or will be about to receive, an MSc in biomedical engineering, biology, physics, neuroscience or a related field. Proficiency in spoken and written English, as well as with programming languages (Python, MATLAB) and pulse sequence development would be a plus.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is 2770,00 euro and the maximum salary is 3539,00 euro gross per month for a full-time appointment (Phd scale, cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is the country's leading fundamental neuroscience research institute, in the international and progressive city of Amsterdam. It provides a critical mass of scientists (spanning more than 27 nationalities) and neuroscience facilities, in a highly interactive, dynamic, multi-cultural environment, with English as the working language.

General information about the group and research centre can be found on our websites: https://nin.nl/research-groups/dumoulin/, www.spinozacentre.nl

For more information about the vacancy, please contact Dr. Wietske van der Zwaag (w.vanderzwaag@spinozacentre.nl).