The Proaction Laboratory (Perception and Recognition of Objects and Actions (Jorge Almeida’s Lab) at the University of Coimbra, Portugal is looking for motivated and bright Research Assistants and future Doctoral Students to work on a prestigious ERC Starting Grant project (ContentMAP) on the neural organization of object knowledge. In this project, we are exploring how complex information is topographically organized in the brain using fMRI and state of the art analytical techniques, as well as computational approaches, and neuromodulation. We strongly and particularly encourage applications from women, and from underrepresented groups in academia.
Experience with fMRI and data analysis is required. Strong programming skills (MatLab, Python, etc.) are also a requirement. Experience with data analysis techniques used in vision and object recognition (e.g., Representational Similarity Analysis, MVPA, Machine Learning, population Receptive Fields/phase lag analysis), as well as computational approaches to cognitive neuroscience (e.g., SOM), is a plus. Very good English (oral and written) communicative skills are necessary.
The positions are for 3 years, potentially renewable, and will start in August 2021 (the starting date can be moved to an earlier or later date). The salary is competitive, especially considering the cost of living in Portugal (and particularly in Coimbra). The researchers will work directly with Jorge Almeida and other researchers in the Proaction Lab, but the laboratory has extensive collaborations with researchers throughout the world. In fact, there may be the option of spending some time in another lab as part of the position.
We have access to a 3T MRI scanner with a 64-channel coil, to a 256 ch EEG dedicated to the Lab, a motion tracking system, tDCS with neuronavigation, and a full set psychophysics lab. We also have eye-tracking on-site and may have access, through other collaborations, to a 7T scanner.
Finally, the University of Coimbra is a 700-year-old University and has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Coimbra is one of the most lively university cities in the world, and it is a beautiful city with easy access to the beach and mountain.
Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we may fill in the positions sooner than the deadline if there are candidates with a superb fit with the requirements and project. Applicants should have their Master’s and or BA degree completed and will have to get their diplomas recognized in Portugal prior to signing their contract. The interested candidates should email Jorge Almeida for questions and applications. Please send an email with the subject “Positions under ERC - ContentMAP” with your curriculum vitae, list of publications, 2 reference letters, and a short description of your experience in the field and how you fulfil the requirements (fit with the position) to jorgealmeida@fpce.uc.pt.
