Postdoc Position: Neural Circuitry Underlying Working Memory

1. Introduction

Are you fascinated by how our brains can very rapidly encode information, transform it, and use it to subsequently guide behaviour, all within one or a few seconds? Do you wish to contribute to our understanding of this phenomenon at the levels of both whole-brain dynamics and connections between individual neurons? If this excites you, then this postdoctoral position may be right for you!

2. Job description

Recent theoretical and computational work suggests that rapid modulations of neuronal connectivity may underpin WM maintenance. This project is geared towards testing that hypothesis. To do so, you will develop novel analytical tools and apply them to data from massively parallel spike train recordings, as well as intracranial recordings from human patients. Both these datasets are already available as part of collaborations, so novel data acquisition is not strictly required. Your job will furthermore include hands-on data processing, statistical analysis, and interpretation and presentation of results.

In addition to working with data and their interpretation, you will actively participate in the Brain & Experience Lab and the Donders Institute, for example through collaborations and/or supervising MSc students and/or PhD candidates. Teaching is not required but some teaching duties may be arranged if you so prefer. We anticipate that there will be ample room for you to let your creative scientific input flourish over the course of your postdoctoral appointment. Vice versa, many opportunities are offered to further your own development as a scientist (methods and experimental training, science communication, international collaboration, to name just a few).

We are explicitly looking for someone who has recently obtained a PhD degree and has no substantial previous postdoctoral experience.

3. Profile

• You hold a recently awarded PhD degree in cognitive / computational neuroscience, artificial intelligence, experimental psychology, or a similar field (other fields may be considered if well-motivated), or are demonstrably close to obtaining one.
• You have a keen interest in the mechanistic basis of working memory.
• You have strong analytical skills, including experience in programming (Python).
• You have experience with handling electrophysiological data or a strong willingness to learn.
• You have experience with publishing as a first author in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• You are fluent in spoken and written English up to an academic standard.
• You preferably have prior experience with collaborative projects and/or student supervision. 

4. We are

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour is a world-class interfaculty research centre that houses more than 700 researchers devoted to understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of the human mind. Research at the Donders Institute is focused around four themes:

1. Language and communication
2. Perception, action and decision-making
3. Development and lifelong plasticity
4. Natural computing and neurotechnology

Excellent, state-of-the-art research facilities are available for the broad range of neuroscience research that is being conducted at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute has been 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, and supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. English is the lingua franca at the Institute.

You will collaborate closely with Dr Eelke Spaak, Principal Investigator at the Brain & Experience Lab. The B&E Lab is a recently established and still small (but steadily growing) research group, providing ample opportunities for in-depth scientific discussion and interaction. The currently advertised position is funded by an NWO grant which was rated “highly positive”, ranking 2/28. The B&E Lab’s embedding within the Donders Institute means fruitful exchange and ongoing collaboration with several other world-leading research groups, just a few steps away.

5. We offer

• Your initial contract will be for 1 year, which, upon a positive performance evaluation, will be extended by another 2.5 years (3.5 years total). 
• Your salary within salary scale 11 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week. A preliminary salary scale of 10 may apply.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Eelke Spaak. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on Wednesday 26 November. You will preferably start your employment on 1 February 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates. If you wish to apply for a non-scientific position with a non-EU nationality, please take notice of the following information. 

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