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1 yearFixed-term (CDD)renewable
Postdoctoral Researcher Position
Investigating Human Behavior and Stress Responsiveness Using Virtual Reality (VR) and Multidimensional Assessments
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on LinkedinThe EPFL Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics is seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to join our team in a cutting-edge project focused on understanding human behavior and stress responsiveness through advanced Virtual Reality (VR) environments and comprehensive behavioral and physiological assessments. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and conducted in the Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics, led by Prof. Carmen Sandi.
Project Overview
This project aims to unravel the complexities of human behavior and stress responses by leveraging VR technology to simulate stress-inducing scenarios and monitor participants’ behavioral and physiological reactions in real-time. The selected candidate will work on the integration of VR systems with various physiological monitoring tools, including sensors tracking heart rate, skin conductance, and other stress-related biomarkers, as well as behavioral data from participant movements within the VR environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement VR-based experimental protocols to study human stress and behavior.
- Operate and program VR environments tailored to the specific needs of the research project.
- Collect, process, and analyze multidimensional data from physiological systems and behavioral sensors.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, neuroscientists, and data scientists, to ensure the robustness and validity of the research methodologies.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication in high-impact scientific journals and present findings at national and international conferences.
- Mentor students and contribute to the broader research community.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience, Psychology, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in human subjects research, particularly using VR approaches.
- Strong technical skills in programming VR environments (e.g., Unity) and managing complex experimental setups.
- Experience in analyzing multidimensional data, including physiological signals (e.g., EEG, ECG, GSR) and behavioral data from motion tracking systems.
- Proven track record of published research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with wearable technology and real-time data processing.
- Familiarity with advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques for analyzing large datasets.
- Prior experience in stress research or related areas of psychophysiology.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following documents (all of them as a single pdf):
- Experience with wearable technology and real-time data processing.
- Familiarity with advanced statistical methods and machine learning techniques for analyzing large datasets.
- Prior experience in stress research or related areas of psychophysiology.
Interested candidates should send a SINGLE pdf including: CV, a brief research statement and the contact details of 3 reference persons to: Prof. Carmen Sandi (carmen.sandi@epfl.ch).
The position is available immediately, for 1 year, renewable. Applications will be reviewed from October 1st 2024, on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Location: EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland