Postdoctoral Researcher: Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Learning in Early Childhood at the Donders Centre for Cognition - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

1. Introduction

Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge research in developmental cognitive neuroscience? And do you aim to understand the mechanisms responsible for the remarkable development during the first years of life and why children differ in their developmental outcomes? Join our international research team as a postdoctoral researcher!

2. Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join the BabyBRAIN lab. In this position, you will conduct research on learning and curiosity in early development, using behavioural, neuroscientific and modelling approaches. You will work closely with Prof. Sabine Hunnius and Dr Marlene Meyer and will be involved in the supervision of ongoing PhD projects.

3. Profile

• You hold a PhD in Developmental Cognitive Science or Developmental Psychology.
• You have a strong motivation to conduct interdisciplinary empirical research at the intersection of developmental psychology and cognitive science.
• You have experience with tools for quantitative data analysis such as Matlab or Python. Experience with computational modelling is a plus.
• You possess proven problem-solving skills and an ability to take a strong, positive and proactive approach to work.
• You have experience with experimental developmental psychology. Experience with mathematical modelling of behaviour is a plus.
• You possess excellent collaborative and communication skills.
• You are versatile, flexible and have the ability to work in a team as well as independently.

4. We are

You will work in an interdisciplinary team of developmental scientists, cognitive psychologists and neuroscientists at the Donders Institute. The Donders Institute is a state-of-the art cognitive neuroscience institute with a multidisciplinary approach. It offers excellent research facilities, including developmental research facilities, advanced neuroimaging, eye movement registration, and motion tracking labs. The Institute was assessed as 'excellent' by an international evaluation committee in the last research evaluation, and was recognised as a 'very stimulating environment for top researchers as well as for young talents'. 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. Radboud University offers a parental leave scheme and day care on campus.

The Baby and Child Research Center (BRC) at Radboud University is a leading cross-disciplinary research initiative on early development. We study children's social and cognitive development as well as their language acquisition and health during the first six years of life. BRC features state-of-the art facilities, such as eye-tracking, motion-tracking and neuroimaging techniques. It fosters a collaborative, multidisciplinary and supportive research environment with a diverse international staff. You will be an integral member of the lively BRC community. 

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 2.5 years.
• 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.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Support Service. The Dual Career Programme assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. Our Family Support Service helps you and your partner feel welcome and at home by providing customised assistance in navigating local facilities, schools, and amenities. Also take a look at our support for international staff page to discover all our services for international employees.
• 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

All applications must be made online using the button below. Hard copy or email applications will not be processed. Address your letter of application to Sabine Hunnius and Marlene Meyer. Please provide a brief cover letter, highlighting qualifications and motivation, and a current CV, listing relevant experience and providing the contact details of two referees.

The first interviews will take place on 7 June. You will preferably start your employment on 1 September.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure.