Post docs and RA positions the University of Trento

Applications are invited for two postdoctoral positions and one RA/Lab-manager position funded by an ERC (European Research Council) Starting Grant (PI: Uri Hasson; http://www.hasson.org). Individuals of all nationalities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries can be addressed to uri.hasson@unitn.it, and meetings can be arranged at the Neurobiology of Language Conference. Application forms will be posted at http://bit.ly/bntHrv within 14 days.

The 4-year project examines the cognitive mechanisms and neural systems by which the human brain codes the recent past and predicts the immediate future. It uses neuroimaging, behavioral studies, and eye tracking methods. The ideal candidates are highly motivated and creative individuals, capable of working independently and in groups, who will thrive in a dynamic startup-like work environment. Experience with computational modeling of complex systems is helpful, as is prior work on neuroimaging of syntax/semantics. The research takes place at the Center for Mind/Brain Sciences at the University of Trento, located in the autonomous region of Trentino in Northern Italy. Salaries are comparable to those offered by research institutions in the US and Europe, include benefits and health insurance, and are commensurate with training and experience. Expected starting date for all positions is Jan 1st, 2011.


Positions offered:

a. Postdoctoral position (2-4 years) for fMRI research. The person will be responsible for the design of several fMRI studies, conducting data analysis and leading the write-up of scientific work. The person will have access to the center’s onsite 4T fMRI scanner. REQUIREMENTS: expertise with fMRI design and analysis methods and a solid background in cognitive neuroscience. HELPFUL: knowledge of functional connectivity methods including those applicable to resting state data, analysis of perfusion (ASL) data, R/Matlab programming, good understanding of UNIX. Interest in MEG methods.

b. Postdoctoral position (2-4 years) for Magnetoencephalography (MEG) research. The person will be responsible for the design of several MEG studies, conducting data analysis and leading the write-up of scientific work. The person will have access to the center’s onsite MEG apparatus and 4T fMRI scanner. REQUIREMENTS: expertise with MEG techniques and a solid background in cognitive neuroscience. HELPFUL: Knowledge of coherence analysis and pattern classifier methods; knowledge of fMRI analysis techniques and the integration of fMRI and MEG data.

C. Research Assistant/ Lab Manager. A 2-year position is available. The individual will be responsible for analysis of fMRI datasets, programming and conducting fMRI studies, and monitoring computer hardware. This position is ideal for recent college graduates considering future graduate study in cognitive neuroscience. REQUIREMENTS: Experience with fMRI analysis and good knowledge of Italian. HELPFUL: a bachelor's degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or computer science. Experience with diverse computing environments (Linux/OSX/Windows), programming (python/perl/shell scripting, or R) and relational databases.

About the University of Trento: In 2009, The University of Trento ranked first in the Italian national ranking published by the Italian Ministry of Education. The ranking is based on the quality of the research and teaching activities, as well as the success in attracting funds from the European Commission, awarded for international research projects.