Spatial orientation and self-motion perception depends on the integration of vestibular and visual signals and, when the motion is self-generated, also relies on motor feedback signals. Recent theory suggests that the neuronal computations for both active and passive spatial orientation and self-motion estimation involve a single sensory internal model that optimally combines motor commands with vestibular and visual signals. While this theory is based on nicely controlled lab experiments, this PhD project will test if it can be applied to understand spatial orientation and self-motion perception in the real world. Virtual reality and wearable technology will be used to collect data and analysis methods from data science and artificial intelligence to analyze and model these data. The results obtained will be applied to understand deficits in aging and clinical populations.

You will be part of the Donders Graduate School for Cognitive Neuroscience.

Preference will be given to candidates with an MSc in cognitive neuroscience, artificial intelligence, biomedical science or engineering, physics, movement sciences, or a related field, who are highly motivated to conduct challenging interdisciplinary empirical, model-driven, and ecologically relevant research. Strong programming skills and a demonstrable affinity with quantitative data analysis (e.g. Matlab, Python) are required. Experience with psychophysical and brain imaging techniques and patient studies is desirable.

Fixed-term contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,325 per month, and will increase to €2,972 in the fourth year (P scale).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• 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 has seven faculties, which together cover the full range of academic disciplines. Its teaching and research staff hail from more than fifty countries. With several brand new buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, the leafy modern campus in Nijmegen provides an open and welcoming environment with a personal touch, encouraging the sharing of knowledge among academics, across disciplines, and within and between research institutes. Radboud University firmly believes that a broad perspective is essential for generating new insights and solutions in both science and society.

Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 600 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. The Institute’s research is focused around four themes: 1. Language and communication, 2. Perception, action and control, 3. Plasticity and memory, 4. Brain networks and neuronal communication. Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is conducted at the Donders Institute. Recently, the Donders Institute was assessed by an international evaluation committee as excellent and recognised as a ‘very stimulating environment for top researchers, as well as for young talent’. The Donders Institute fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary, supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute.

The project will be embedded in the Sensorimotor Control group, headed by Prof. Medendorp. The project will be embedded in the Centre for Cognition of the Donders Institute, which is also part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, one of the largest faculties at Radboud University in Nijmegen.

The Donders Institute is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and as such encourages applications from women and minorities.