PhD student i Psychology in a project on intrinsic motivation for cognition - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

PhD student in Psychology to work in a project on intrinsic motivation for cognition
The Department of Psychology has a position open for a PhD student in Psychology. Position starting date is September 2021 or according to agreement. The project aim is to understand how and when the brain rewards itself for solving cognitive tasks. Apply by June 11th, 2021.

Project description

What makes thinking so satisfying that we occasionally immerse ourselves in it for its own sake? In this project, we test the idea that cognitive uncertainty such as in perception, memory and problem solving explains the satisfaction of finding their answers. We use lab based behavioral experiments in conjunction with bio marker recordings, online experiments and brain imaging (fMRI) to test this idea.

We seek a responsible and creative person with a high motivation for doctoral studies. The candidate should be open to many perspectives on cognition including emotional, evolutionary and clinical aspects, to guide research questions and experimental protocols. The candidate should be interested in converting ideas into testable experiments, enjoy programming, quantitative modelling and analysis. The candidate should appreciate the challenge of finding technical solutions to problems to the problems raised by the addressing the research questions. Prior knowledge and skills in experimental methods, brain imaging, programming and mathematical statistics are merits. If considered eligible, the relevant skills meritorious and the previous relevant academic achievements will primarily be evaluated. Attention will also be given to the applicant’s ability to work in a group as well as independently, and ability to communicate in English.

Eligibility requirements
Eligible applicants must fulfil the following prerequisites: 240 ECTS-credits of higher education studies of which at least 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), at least 90 credits must be in psychology or equivalent or in some other way within or outside the country acquired corresponding knowledge. Applicants must be proficient in both oral and written communication in English.

Position requirements

The announced position concerns fulltime emplyment as a doctoral student with the aim of achieving a doctorate. The doctoral student’s main task is to follow the syllabus of the doctoral program, which includes carrying out research within the project, as well as taking doctoral program courses. You are expected to carry out most of the work at the Department of Psychology at the University of Umeå. Work tasks may also include teaching and other departmental tasks (up to 20%). The position is time limited to four years for full time study and may be extended by up to one year dependent on extent of departmental work. In a first round, the employment contract is for one year, and is then renewed every 2 years under the condition that the individual study plan is being followed.

Application

A complete application must include:

1. A cover letter summarizing your qualifications, scientific interests and motives for applying (max two pages)

2. CV

3. A draft of your research interest in relation to the research project and the contents of the announced position (max two pages)

4. Diplomas of bachelor and Master level degrees

5. Bachelor/Master theses work/other relevant publications

6. Other merits of relevance for the position

If considered eligible, the relevant skills meritorious and the previous relevant academic achievements will primarily be evaluated. Attention will also be given to the applicant’s research and communication skills, specific qualifications, ability to work in a group as well as independently.

Note that incomplete applications will not be processed.

Additional information is given by Associate Professor Linus Holm, linus.holm@umu.se, +46-90-7867607, or by Head of Department Annika Nordlund, 090-786 78 30, annika.nordlund@umu.se

We look forward to receiving your application on June 11th by the latest!

About the Department:

The Department of Psychology offers active and creative educational and research environments for employees as well as students. For further information about us, please look at our homesite