The Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience group is seeking a highly qualified and motivated assistant professor to conduct collaborative research and teaching in Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience.

What are you going to do?

You pursue optical imaging (with cellular resolution) and interventional techniques for studying collective neuronal behavior during active perception and behavioral decision-making, thereby helping to test representational theories of perception and consciousness.In addition to Calcium imaging, other techniques fitting this profile are imaging using genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) and all-optical neurophysiology using holographic photostimulation to manipulate specific cell assemblies; you are expected to acquire grants in this research area and work closely together with group members specialized in electrophysiology, optogenetics, computational modelling and animal behavior; you will engage in teaching activities within the Bachelor curriculi Psychobiology and/or Biomedical Sciences and the Master curriculum Biomedical Sciences (track: Cognitive Neurobiology and Clinical Neurophysiology). you support and develop data analytic activities (mostly in Matlab/Python) and data exchange with collaborating labs.

What do we require?

For this position you should:

• have a PhD degree in systems neuroscience or related field, with a specialization in optical neuroscience techniques;
• have significant experimental experience in the field of the neuroscience of perception and sensory processing, animal behavior, neural data analytics and/or computational neuroscience, as testified by outstanding publications;
• have strong quantitative and programming skills and demonstrable affinity with theoretical neuroscience and neural theories of perception and consciousness; have experience with academic teaching in the subject field;
• be able to teach in the Dutch language after 4 years of employment. You must be able to reach the B1 level of the Dutch language within 2 years of your employment. Within the Faculty of Science, newly appointed Assistant professors , who do not yet have a BKO (basiskwalificatie onderwijs) certificate, follow a didactic training trajectory, which should lead up to completion of a certificate qualifying yourself for academic within two years.

Our offer

The vacancy is for a permanent position. According to standard university policies this implies that the appointment will be initially on a temporary basis for a period of 2 years during which you should show your competence in science and teaching. After a positive final assessment of your performance this will be converted into a permanent appointment. Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €3,637 to €4,978 (scale 11) depending on relevant work experience. The Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO) is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look at Working at the Faculty of Science.  

Further information

Enquiries about the position or any request for additional information can be directed to:
Prof. Cyriel M.A. Pennartz

About the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 6,500, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is an institute that belongs to the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). Its approximately 230 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research, centred on four themes:

Green Life Sciences Cell & Systems Biology Neurosciences Microbiology Current research of the Cognitive & Systems Neuroscience group focuses on neural mechanisms of perception, multisensory integration, interactions between sensory and memory systems and representational theories of consciousness. These topics are addressed using a variety of methods, such as ensemble recordings in task-performing subjects, optogenetics, computational modelling and advanced analysis of neural data. You will conduct studies on ensemble behavior and population coding during perceptual and cognitive operations using 2-photon imaging, optogenetic and related optical techniques, thereby closely interacting with other team members and engaging in external collaborations.

Job application

The UvA is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We value a spirit of enquiry and endurance, provide the space to keep asking questions and cherish a diverse atmosphere of curiosity and creativity.

Are you interested? Applications may only be submitted online by clicking the link below.

Your application must include a curriculum vitae (including contact details of two academic referees) and a letter of motivation. Please combine these documents in one single attachment and also mention the months (not just years) in your CV when referring to your education and work experience. #LI-DNP     

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