Introduction

Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want to be active in project management? Than this may be the position for you! The Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience (CSN) group is looking for a highly qualified and motivated project leader to help coordinate two major international projects assigned to this group.

The first project entails an adversarial collaboration to test three theories of consciousness, sponsored by the Templeton World Charity Foundation (TWCF). Current research of the CSN group focuses on neural mechanisms of perception, multisensory integration, interactions between sensory and memory systems, and conscious representation. A theory of consciousness that is central to this project and has been developed in the group is Neurorepresentationalism (NREP). This theory and other CSN research topics are addressed using a variety of methods, such as ensemble recordings in task-performing subjects, optogenetics, advanced analysis of neural data, computational modelling and theoretical analysis.  

The second project concerns the leading role of the CSN group in various components of the EU FET Flagship ‘Human Brain Project’ (HBP). This Flagship project is unique worldwide in its magnitude, scope and ambition in unravelling brain and mind. One of the future aims of the HBP is to set up a digital infrastructure for brain research in Europe, EBRAINS.

What are you going to do

You are expected to

Support the management of TWCF- and HBP-related research in the CSN group by:

• coordinating activities sponsored by both grants, including scientific management, outreach, meeting organization, dissemination, innovation, reporting, financial administration, data storage, curation and reproducibility; the candidate will act as a ‘central node’ in both projects;
• spearheading the preparation of novel grant applications, e.g. in the domain of Europe’s digital infrastructure for brain research (EBRAINS) and to interact with other European partners to realize this preparatory role;
• facilitating and coordinating scientific research sponsored by both grants by closely interacting with experimental researchers and other computational neuroscientists in the CSN group, and with experimentalists, theoreticians and neurotechnologists in collaborating groups, either inside or outside the Netherlands;
• organizing and executing additional tasks that are conducive to both projects in the range of training, education, group meetings and other activities.

What do we require

• preferably a PhD degree in experimental or theoretical neuroscience, although candidates with a MSc or MD degree, or degrees in related fields, including computer science, engineering, mathematics or physics, will also be considered;
• experience and affinity with research on consciousness and cognition, electrophysiology and systems neuroscience, computer simulations, information theory and/or neural data analysis are considered an advantage for this position;
• strong organizational and managing skills;
• fluency in English, both written and spoken.

Our offer

We offer a temporary employment contract for 30.4 (0.8 FTE) hours per week for a period of 12 months. The preferred starting date is 15 June 2022. An extension of 20 months is possible upon a good evaluation.

Your salary, depending on your relevant work experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between €2,710 to €4,093 gross per month on the basis of a full working week of 38 hours. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU) is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? More information can be found here.

About us

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 30,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds and scientific excellence.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Do you want to know more about our organization? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.                                                  

Contact

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organization? Please contact:

• Prof. Dr. Cyriel Pennartz
• T: + 31 (0)20 525 7618

• Dr. Umberto Olcese
• T: + 31 (0)20 525 7968

Job application

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 15 May 2022. We aim to invite potential candidates for interviews in the second half of May 2022.

Due to Dutch legislation, the UvA is for non-scientific positons obliged to recruit within the EU. If you are not a EU-citizen (including Norway and Switzerland) please do not apply for this vacancy.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

Please mention the months (not just years) in your cv when referring to your education and work experience.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application. 

No agencies please

Please click here to apply.