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Fixed-term (CDD)Full-time
Postdoctoral Researcher Position
Postdoctoral position in Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience
Share on FacebookShare on X (Twitter)Share on WhatsappShare on LinkedinThe Swiss Center for Affective Sciences is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position to work under the supervision of Prof. Monika Riegel on the project “How do stress hormones and sex hormones affect time perception and temporal memory in females?” , funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Project Overview
This project aims to investigate how stress and sex hormones interact to shape the way we sense and remember time, in healthy and clinical populations of females. The project combines pharmacological manipulations, psychophysics, modeling of neuroendocrine and menstrual tracking data with fMRI neuroimaging and novel tFUS neuromodulation. The results will inform females’ mental health and guide sex- and hormone-specific interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Designing and setting up psychological experiments using pharmacological manipulations, behavioral, neuroimaging and neuromodulation methods to examine the effects of stress and sex hormones on perception and memory of time in females.
- Coordinating data collection, in laboratory and clinical settings (patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder)
- Operating research equipment required for the project, including neuroendocrine and physiological measures, neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques.
- Analyzing multimethod data (behavioral, app tracking, neuroendocrine, neuroimaging, psychophysiological) using advanced statistical methods.
- Disseminating the findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Ensuring data management and the implementation of rigorous open-science practices
- Supervising Master Students and supporting a PhD student
Qualifications
- PhD in neuroscience, psychology, affective science, cognitive science, computer science, biostatistics or a related field
- Strong background in empirical and quantitative research, including experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis
- Proficiency in the analysis of data collected with neuroendocrine or psychophysics methods, and fMRI neuroimaging (e.g. multivoxel pattern analysis approaches)
- Experience with statistical software and programming environments (e.g. R, MATLAB, Python)
- Ability to work collaboratively and autonomously in a team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Commitment to open-science practices (e.g., preregistration, data and code sharing)
- Strong interest in research on hormonal effects on cognition and women’s mental health
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with neuromodulation techniques and/ or psychophysiological measures
- Experience with research in clinical settings (patients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder)
- Knowledge of research on stress effects on perception and memory, sex hormonal fluctuations and their effects on brain and cognition, mental health
- Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Basic knowledge of French or willingness to learn is a plus to facilitate interactions with students and participants. However, it is not a requirement
Application Process
To apply, please send your complete application in a single PDF file entited: NAME_application.pdf, via email to Monika.Riegel@unige.ch. Your application should include:
- A cover letter explaining your motivation for the position and your interest in the project
- An academic curriculum vitae (including research achievements, list of research outputs, and ORCID/OSF/Git links if available)
- Two representative research outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, preprints, book chapters, PhD thesis, conference proceedings, or datasets)
- One letter of recommendation + the names and contact details of two academic references whom you agree we may contact
The closing date for application is April 30th, 2026. However, we review all applications on a rolling basis and therefore advise you to apply as soon as possible. For further information or informal inquiries, please contact Prof. Monika Riegel via email (Monika.Riegel@unige.ch).
Activity rate: 100%
Salary scale: UNIGE Class 14 (yearly gross salary: CHF 84,170–88,927)
Duration: 24 to 30 months (2-2.5 years)
Workplace: Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, located at Campus Biotech, Geneva
Start date: September 1st, 2026, or to be agreed upon -
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 X (Twitter)Share 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
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