Welcome to Maastricht University!
The Brain Stimulation and Cognition Lab at Maastricht University specializes in non invasive brain stimulation (TMS, TES, TUS) combined with neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG) to study brain network dynamics underlying cognition. Our research spans from basic cognitive neuroscience, to methodological innovation in brain stimulation technology, to translational applications in psychiatry, neurology, and rehabilitation. We pioneered simultaneous TMS–fMRI–EEG during cognitive behaviour and have demonstrated and leveraged the brain state dependency of neuromodulation. You will work closely with Dr. Felix Duecker and Prof. Dr. Alexander Sack in a collaborative environment that values open science, methodological rigour, and strong mentorship. The lab actively supports postdoctoral researchers in developing their scientific profile and exploring new ideas that complement ongoing research.
The lab is embedded within the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN). The department combines experimental skills with methodological development and theoretical or computational perspectives to investigate the neural correlates of cognitive processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales. CN provides a collegial and interdisciplinary environment with access to state of the art facilities and a diverse community of researchers working across perception, attention, memory, emotion, learning, language, and neurocognitive development.
What you do
This position is part of an NWO Replication Studies grant and focuses on the role of parietal cortex in spatial attention control. The project consists of two sequential replication studies investigating the effects of TMS on attentional orienting:
• Study 1 closely follows the original experimental design to reproduce the reported behavioural effects.
• Study 2 applies contemporary TMS methodology and improved experimental control to assess the robustness of the effect.
All work is conducted within a pre registered, transparently documented, and openly shared research framework, with strong emphasis on methodological rigour and reproducibility.
In addition to the core replication studies, the position includes dedicated time and support to develop complementary research ideas within the broader themes of TMS, spatial attention, and methodological innovation. You will have the opportunity to shape additional experimental work, contribute to ongoing projects in the lab, and pursue your own lines of inquiry that align with the research environment.
In this position, you will be responsible for:
• Designing and implementing TMS experiments on spatial attention within a pre-registered research framework
• Collecting and analysing behavioural, TMS, and fMRI data using appropriate statistical and computational methods
• Contributing to preregistration, documentation, and open sharing of data and analysis pipelines
• Writing scientific manuscripts and presenting findings at conferences
• Collaborating with PhD students and other researchers within the group and providing supervision of student projects where relevant
• Helping maintain a collaborative and supportive lab environment
Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.
What you bring
We are looking for a researcher with a clear interest in spatial attention and brain stimulation, and an understanding of the importance of replication and methodological rigour in cognitive neuroscience. You work independently, take responsibility for structured experimental workflows, and contribute constructively to a collaborative research environment with shared open science practices.
The position requires the following qualifications:
• A completed PhD in a relevant field: A doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biomedical sciences, neuroimaging, neuromodulation, or a related discipline.
• Background in attention or visual cognition: Strong experience with experimental research on attention, perception, or related domains.
• Experience with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Hands-on experience with TMS in human participants, including experimental implementation.
• Experience with neuroimaging: Familiarity with fMRI is considered an advantage.
• Experimental and analytical skills: Experience with experimental design, data collection, and data analysis using tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Scientific writing and independence: Proven ability to independently design and execute studies and communicate findings in scientific writing (English).
• Supervision and collaboration: Experience supervising students or supporting junior researchers, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
What we offer
As a Postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, you will be employed by the most international university of the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:
- A 12-month contract (1,0 fte) with the prospect of a 2 year extension.
- A gross monthly salary between €3546,00and €5538,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
- 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
- Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
- Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
- A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
- A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
- An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
About the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.
Interested?
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Felix Duecker at felix.duecker@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The end date of the publication is 17 May 2026.
Selected candidates will be invited for one or two interviews, expected to take place in May/June 2026. A reference check may be part of the selection procedure.
Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!
About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.
At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.
Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.
