PhD Position in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience

The Learning Brain Lab located at the University of Trier (Prof. Dr. Yana Fandakova) is inviting applications for a PhD position (E 13 TV-L, 75 %) in the DFG-funded project "How curiosity enhances learning across childhood and adolescence: The role of metacognition and agency”. The position is for a duration of three years and is available to commence at the earliest possible date.

The position. The successful candidate will work on a longitudinal study to examine the development of metacognition and curiosity-based learning across childhood and adolescence. This project is part of an international collaboration with the University of Cardiff (PI: Matthias Gruber) and INRIA, Bordeaux, France (PIs: Pierre-Yves Oudeyer & Hélène Sauzéon). The candidate will be involved in all steps of the project including planning, recruitment of participants, data acquisition, data curation, data analysis and publication of the results. The successful candidate will participate in regular online meetings and in the mutual site visits among the collaborators, and will present results at national and international conferences. There are no formal teaching requirements. 

Your profile. Applicants must hold, or expect to hold by the starting date, a university degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science or a related discipline (master's, diploma or comparable). The applicant must have experience in performing statistical analyses with Python or R. The ability to work independently and very good knowledge of written and spoken English is required. We expect enthusiasm for questions related to curiosity and learning across development along with a strong ability to cooperate and work in a team. Experience with longitudinal data analysis and good programming skills are an advantage. The hiring requirements are based Section 57, Paragraphs 2 and 3 of the German Higher Education Act. 

What we offer. We are a young international lab that works on fundamental topics in developmental cognitive neuroscience. We offer an intellectually stimulating atmosphere, we frequently collaborate with each other and with other research groups. The candidate can expect intensive support and guidance, a flexible working time model, as well as excellent opportunities for networking nationally and internationally.  

How to apply. Please send your application consisting of a single PDF to Prof. Dr. Yana Fandakova, fandakova@uni-trier.de. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To receive full consideration, please apply until January 15, 2025. Applications received after that date might still be considered.

Please include the following documents:

• A letter of motivation
• A complete curriculum vitae (CV) 
• Certificates of your university degrees (M.Sc. degree and B.Sc.) or other equivalent
  qualifications. Candidates may already apply if they expect to obtain
  their M.Sc. degree soon.
• The names of 2–3 colleagues who are willing to provide letters if asked

For any inquiries, please contact Prof. Dr. Yana Fandakova, fandakova@uni-trier.de.

For more information regarding the position see here.

To find out more about our research please visit www.learningbrain.uni-trier.de

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