PhD position in Imaging Genetics of Intelligence, The Netherlands

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July 29, 2009

Application Deadline: 5 September 2009 , Understanding how genetic variation affects brain functioning related to general intelligence is one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st century.

Advances in both molecular genetics and functional and structural neuroimaging have provided the tools necessary to explore the effects of genetic variants on brain functioning. Identifying the brain mechanisms that underlie intelligence is paramount to our understanding of how individual differences in general intelligence emerge and how such differences may confer vulnerability to cognitive dysfunction. This project aims to identify these brain mechanisms by combining expertise from two excellent research groups, using an imaging genetics approach towards human intelligence.

This project is a collaboration between the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, and the Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam. You will be based within the Cognitive Neurology group at the Donders Institute and will have frequent contacts with the genomics group at CNCR .

Requirements
You have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a field related to cognitive neuroscience (e.g. experimental/cognitive psychology, biology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence). Excellent candidates from other scientific backgrounds will also be considered. Good programming skills (Matlab) are highly desirable. Familiarity with neuroimaging techniques (functional and structural) and in genetic statistics are certainly an asset. Proficiency in oral and written English as well as good social skills are also required.

Organization
The Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR) was founded jointly by the VU University Amsterdam and the VU University Medical Centre.
At the centre, neurobiologists, clinical and preclinical neuroscientists and psychologists collaborate to contribute to the development of a new integrative neuroscience, rooted in molecular biology and genetics and extending all the way to behaviour and cognition in health and disease.

The Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour comprises the Centres for Cognition, Cognitive Neuroimaging and Neuroscience. The mission of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging is to conduct cutting-edge research in cognitive neuroscience. Much of the rapid progress in this field is driven by novel neuroimaging techniques scanning the activity and structure of the human brain in vivo – a field of research in which the Centre plays a leading role. The research themes cover central cognitive functions such as perception, action, attention, cognitive control, memory, and language. The internationally renowned centre currently employs more than 100 PhD students and post-doctoral researchers of more than 20 nationalities. The centre is equipped with three MRI scanners (7T, 3T, 1.5T), a 275 channels MEG system, an EEG-TMS laboratory, several (MR-compatible) EEG systems, and high-performance computational facilities. English is the lingua franca at the centre.
Website: http://www.ru.nl/donders

Conditions of employment
Employment: 1,0 fte
Maximum salary, based on a fulltime employment: € 2,612 gross/month
The gross salary will be between €2,042/month and €2,612 plus two yearly 8% bonuses (holiday and end-of-year).
Duration of the contract: Initially 18 months with possible extension by 2.5 yrs.

Other Information
You should submit an application letter, a CV, and the names of two persons who can provide references.

Additional Information
Prof.dr. G. Fernández
Telephone: +31 24 3610749
E-mail: g.fernandez-at-donders.ru.nl

Dr. D. Posthuma
Telephone: +31 20 5982823
E-mail: danielle.posthuma-at-cncr.vu.nl

Application
You can apply for the job (mention the vacancy number 30.07.09) before 15 September 2009 by sending your application -preferably by email- to:

Radboud University Nijmegen, Donders Institute, t.a.v. Ms. Stijns
Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN NIJMEGEN, NL
Telephone: +31 24 3610651
E-mail: neuroimaging-at-donders.ru.nl

Scholarship Tags: Genetics, imaging, Intelligence, Netherlands, PhD, Position