PhD position in Imaging Genetics of Intelligence, The Netherlands

This is the notification of PhD position in Imaging Genetics of
Intelligence, The Netherlands

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