Research Assistant Position in the Brain Rhythms and Cognition Group

San Sebastián         ·        Full time

RESEARCH ASSISTANT POSITION IN THE BRAIN RHYTHMS AND COGNITION GROUP

at the BCBL- Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain) www.bcbl.eu

Information About The Position

• Position: Research Assistant
• Number of vacancies: 1
• Project: CLOSING THE LOOP BETWEEN THE BRAIN AND REAL LIFE
• Location:  Spain > San Sebastian
• Research Field: Neuroscience > Cognition and Language
• Type of contract/Duration of Contract: 30/11/2024
• Hours per week: 35
• Starting date: 01/02/2023
• Application deadline: 23/12/2023
• Information about the project:  This project focuses on the development of a close-loop EEG system to improve language comprehension in the general population and in people with learning disabilities, i.e dyslexic readers. The system will be able to measure the alignment between EEG and speech signals, what we call Cortical Tracking of Speech (CTS). Previous studies in our group showed that the CTS is an indicator of the linguistic abilities of individuals. The system includes algorithms that constantly and automatically analyze the EEG signal to detect changes in the CTS pattern in order to realign brain activity with that of the linguistic signal. The proposal is very novel, since currently there are no systems available to improve linguistic competence based on a direct and non-invasive intervention on a brain index. In addition, it is intended to develop a prototype of portable EEG acquisition equipment (sensors and amplifier). Finally, the evaluation of the procedure in children, adults and the elderly, as well as in dyslexics.

Job description:

We are looking for a technical profile with an interest in research and neuroscience. We are looking for an engineer (i.e, Telecommunications or bioengineering) with programming skills (matlab or python) that will help us developing and implementing the close-loop system. You will assemble the close-loop system and develop the algorithms to calculate the CTS online. You will also collect EEG data in the lab to test whether or not the system improves linguistic abilities.  You will learn to analyze EEG data and to write research papers.

PI and research group: Mikel Lizarazu and Nicola Molinaro (Brain rhythms and Cognition group)

Candidates’ Profile And Selection Criteria

Required skills: Programming skills (Python or Matlab), Interest in Neuroscience research

Desirable skills: Master in Neuroscience/Biology

Working Conditions

Salary: 15.000-17.000€ gross/year

Entitlements and other benefits: https://www.bcbl.eu/en/join-us/what-is-like-to-work-bcbl

Training opportunities and Career development plan:

Researchers at any stage of their career, regardless of their contractual situation, are given an opportunity for professional development and for improving their employability through access to a Personal Career Development Plan which includes

• Training through individually personalized research projects under senior supervision
• Exchanging knowledge with the scientific community and the general public
• Network-wide training in theory and methods
• Complementary training courses
• Involvement in proposal writing, task coordination
• Development of skills for the organization of training and scientific events

BCBL seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support contact us.

Other Relevant Information:

Language policy

• The corporative language at the Center is English but the national language will be an asset for this particular position
• The center provides initial level Spanish and Basque lessons to all the international staff members
• The interview will be conducted entirely in English

Application Process:

Submission of the application and documentation:

To submit your application, please follow this link:  applying for “RA_Close-Loop” and attach the following documentation:

• A curriculum vitae
• A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position
• Two letters of recommendation

Application process timetable:

1. Deadline for application: 23/12/2022
2. Evaluation by committee: 23/12/2022-10/01/2023
3. Interviews: 16/01/2023-24/01/2023
4. Final decision: 26/01/2023
5. Feedback to all applicants: 26/01/2023-27/01/2023
6. Work contract start date: 01/02/2023

Contact details for enquiries: hr@bcbl.eu

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