Assistant Professor in Perceptual and Cognitive Neuroscience

Assistant Professor in Perceptual and Cognitive Neuroscience

UvA - University of Amsterdam

Amsterdam, Netherlands

€ 4,728 - € 6,433 per month gross

Are you passionate about neuroscience and eager to contribute to groundbreaking research on neuronal mechanisms of perception and cognition? The Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam is looking for an ambitious Assistant Professor to join our interdisciplinary research team of the research group Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience.

You are eager to conduct studies on neural coding at the cell and population level during perceptual and cognitive operations focusing on methods such as in vivo two-photon neuronal Calcium imaging, optogenetic and related optical techniques, thereby closely interacting with other team members as well as engaging in external collaborations.

This is what you will do

You are enthusiastic about developing neuronal optical imaging and interventional techniques for studying collective neuronal behavior during perception and behavioral decision-making. The focus of the research is expected to be the experimental study of perceptual and cognitive brain systems, including but not limited to the field of consciousness, predictive coding, memory encoding and retrieval, categorization of sensory information and formation of representations. This focus can be strengthened using computational and molecular methods, and by harnessing its translational potential. In addition to two-photon Calcium imaging, other techniques preferably fitting your profile include imaging using genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and all-optical neurophysiology using holographic photostimulation to manipulate specific cell assemblies. Part of the following tasks can be gradually built up during your employment:

Tasks and responsibilities:

• conducting independent as well as collaborative research and acquire external funding for research, publishing in high-level journals, presenting work at conferences;
• working closely together with other group members; (co-)supervising junior scientists and providing support in completing PhD theses;
• dedicating a substantial part of your time to teaching and coordination activities within the Bachelor curriculi Psychobiology and/or Biomedical Sciences and/or the Master curriculum Biomedical Sciences; creatively contribute to teaching programmes involving neuroscience;
• carrying out organizational tasks for the group and helping to run and maintain neuronal imaging facilities; supporting data analytics (mostly in Matlab/Python);
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation.

What we ask of you

Your experience and profile:

• a PhD in Neuroscience, Biophysics or related field, and preferably several years of post-doc experience, which have resulted in publications in international peer-reviewed academic journals;
• experience in neuronal in vivo imaging, optics, optogenetics, surgical procedures for rodents, in vivo electrophysiology in vivo, programming and data analysis, animal behaviour and histology;
• preferably experience with acquisition of funding for research projects through government agencies or the private sector;
• preferably experience with management tasks, a track record and enthusiasm in teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels and in developing and organising education;
• fluency and excellent communication in English, both written and spoken. Non-native Dutch speakers must be willing to obtain A2 level proficiency in the Dutch language within three years of the start of the employment contract;
• You have obtained a University Teaching Qualification (BKO) or are willing to obtain this within two years after the start of the employment.