at the BCBL- Basque Center on Cognition Brain and Language (San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain) www.bcbl.eu 
1. INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION
- Position: Postdoctoral researcher
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2 - PhD holders or equivalent who are not yet fully independent)
- Number of vacancies: 1
- Project: CORTICAL RHYTHMS: Aligning Brain Rhythms: Understanding the mechanisms of cortical tracking of speech to improve language functions with real time closed-loop neurofeedback
- Location: Spain > San Sebastian
- Research Field: Neuroscience > Cognitive Computational Neuroscience and Neuroimaging
- Type of contract/Duration of Contract: "Temporary but up to 2 years" (possibility of 2 year extension)
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours per week: 35
- Starting date: January 2025 (flexible)
- Application deadline: 31st October 2024
Information about the project:
Speech processing and reading are essential unique human abilities underpinning social, educational, and professional advancement. However, biologically constrained models of spoken and visual word recognition are still lacking, particularly in the domains of bilingualism. Here, we will investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of speech and reading in bilinguals and second language learners using data collected with advanced neuroimaging tools in our lab. Specifically, we will model the temporal alignment between fluctuations in the speech signal and fluctuations in brain activity across different populations (bilinguals and second language learners) to investigate the predictive ability and causality of CTS (Cortical Tracking of Speech)
Job description:
- Designing and conducting behavioural and MEG experimental research
- Designing and implementing computational models of language
- Writing research papers in collaboration with the PIs, aiming to publish at top-tier journals
- Dissemination of results at international scientific conferences
- Assisting in the supervision of graduate students
- Candidates selected for this role may also be appointed to teach within the BCBL Master in cognitive neuroscience of language (https://www.bcbl.eu/en/study-with-us/masters-cognitive-neuroscience-language), subject to further evaluation and approval by the department.
PIs and research group:
Prof. Manuel Carreiras (m.carreiras@bcbl.eu) – Prof. Jim Magnuson (j.magnuson@bcbl.eu)
https://www.bcbl.eu/en/research/research-groups/neurobiology-language
https://www.bcbl.eu/en/research/research-groups/computational-neuroscience
The Postdoctoral researcher will benefit from the unique environment offered by the BCBL, an internationally recognized center conducting cutting-edge research in multiple areas of cognitive neuroscience. The BCBL offers extraordinary research facilities, including MEG, MRI, EEG, NIRS, eye-tracking (MEG and MRI-compatible), along with the theoretical, technical, and practical training required to obtain expertise in these techniques. The BCBL also counts on a highly supportive administrative staff, which facilitates research implementation and management.
2. CANDIDATES’ PROFILE AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Required skills:
- A PhD degree in Cognitive or Computational Neuroscience. Applications from candidates from related disciplines (Computer Science, Physics, etc) that wish to transition to Cognitive Computational Neuroscience are welcome.
- Strong publication record
- Programming experience (python preferred)
- Fluent knowledge of English
- Good communication skills and ability to collaborate in interdisciplinary environments
- Ability to carry out research independently under the supervision of the PI
- Willingness to develop a combined computational/experimental profile
Desirable skills:
- Experience with neuroimaging data analysis.
- Demonstrable commitment to open-science practices such as publishing code and/or data in open repositories or experience submitting pre-registered reports
3. WORKING CONDITIONS
Salary: 30,000-32,000€/year gross
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
(1) Training through individually personalized research projects under senior supervision
(2) Exchanging knowledge with the scientific community and the general public
(3) Network-wide training in theory and methods
(4) Complementary training courses
(5) Involvement in proposal writing, task coordination
(6) 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.
4. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Language policy
- The corporative language at the Center is English
- The center provides initial level Spanish and Basque lessons to all the international staff members
- The interview will be conducted entirely in English
5. APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submission of the application and documentation:
To submit your application, please follow this link: applying for “Postdoctoral Position – ERC - CORTICAL RHYTHMS (Computational Neuroscience)-” and attach the following documentation:
- A curriculum vitae
- A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position (max 2 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation
Learn more about the BCBL’s OTM-R policy
Application process timetable:
- Deadline for application: 31/10/2024
- Evaluation by committee: 04/11/2024-15/11/2024
- Interviews: 18/11/2024-29/11/2024
- Final decision: 02/12/2024
- Feedback to all applicants: 03/12/2024
- Work contract start date: 15/01/2025
Please note that the dates are for reference only and may vary.
Contact details for enquiries: hr@bcbl.eu
Prof. Carreiras is also very happy to hold informal chats on the project and the position with prospective candidates: m.carreiras@bcbl.eu
