Explore the neural basis of auditory attention using computational modelling and cutting-edge human neuroimaging techniques.

Job Description

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to join an interdisciplinary project investigating the role of the corticothalamic circuitry in auditory attention. In this position, you will develop and validate a computational model of auditory processing, embedded in the framework of dynamic causal modelling (DCM), and apply the model to investigate how the human brain processes sounds in noisy environments. You will work with cutting-edge human neuroimaging data, including ultra-high field MRI, intracranial EEG data and laminar electrophysiology, and will play a central role in all phases of the research process.

This project is part of an NWO Vidi grant awarded to Dr. Moerel and is hosted at the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio), a dynamic and collaborative research environment. Your work will be jointly supervised by Dr. Moerel and Dr. Auksztulewicz. You will collaborate closely with researchers at Maastricht University and international partners. Key responsibilities will include:

Developing and validating a computational model of the auditory cortex within the DCM framework.
Applying the model to analyse functional MRI and electrophysiological datasets.
Collaborating within an international and interdisciplinary research team.
Presenting your work at scientific conferences and publishing in peer-reviewed journals.
Contributing to education at Maastricht University (~0.1 fte).

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated individual who can work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary

team. You should be organized, proactive, and be comfortable handling complex datasets and technical

challenges.

The ideal candidate will have:

A master’s degree in computational neuroscience, computer science, systems biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or R.
Proficiency in the English language.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Neuroscientific expertise and experience with functional MRI and/or electrophysiology data (including connectivity estimation) is a plus.
Knowledge of Bayesian statistics and/or unsupervised learning techniques is a plus.

What we offer

As a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Science & Engineering, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

Good employment conditions. The position is graded according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model.
As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students.
Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University

Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics

At the Maastricht Centre for Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (MaCSBio) we strive to perform cutting edge research in the interdisciplinary fields of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. We aim to understand, simulate and manipulate biological systems using advanced mathematical and computational methods that can be data-driven, or biology-based. MaCSBio has been growing steadily since its foundation in 2015 and current research themes include Systems BioMedicine, Computational Neuroscience, and Systems Biology of Plants. We are closely involved in several Bachelor programs and host the 2-year Master in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics.

Click here https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/macsbio for more information about MaCSBio.

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses

Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.

Curious?

Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Michelle Moerel at michelle.moerel@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. Any questions regarding the procedure can also be directed there.

Applying?

Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 18 May 2025, for this position.

Please upload your CV, motivation letter, and contact information of 2 referees.

The first interviews preferably take place on 2 and 3 June. The second interviews will preferably be held on 20 June.

A reference check will be part of the application procedure.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

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.

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PhD candidate in Auditory Computational Neuroscience