Postdoc position in Contemplative Science
Apply nowPostdoc position in Contemplative Science
A 1-year postdoc position (0.8 fte) in contemplative science is available at the Bernoulli Institute of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. The position is situated in the cognitive modeling group and is funded by Marieke van Vugt’s Consciousness Foundation grant “Can reasoning dissolve the boundaries between self and others?”. In this project, we seek to investigate the neural correlates of the dissolution of boundaries between self and others.
Postdoc position in Contemplative Science
Apply now
What are you going to do?
The successful candidate is expected to conduct research on the effects of analytical meditation in Tibetan monastics in India. In the first part of the project, you will help to develop an experimental protocol that is grounded in the epistemological framework of the Tibetan monastics we are collaborating with. Next, you will collect the actual EEG data during the meditative states, and finally, you will analyze these data using state-of-the-art EEG analysis methods and write them up for publication.
During the project, you will be required to travel to India for conducting EEG research at least once. You are also expected to interact scientifically with other research staff and students, as well as to participate in seminars. Moreover, you will be required to interact with colleagues from other Consciousness Foundation-funded projects and coordinate research methods with these projects.
Knowledge of the Dutch language is not required.
Who are you?
You should have a PhD degree in cognitive neuroscience or psychology with knowledge of:
· EEG data collection
· EEG analysis
· Contemplative research
· Ideally also some experience with Tibetan Buddhism or Tibetan culture
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 4.251 (salary scale 10.4) up to a maximum of € 4.599 (salary scale 10.5) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- The University of Groningen offers, in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities; · an 80% of full-time position (0.8 FTE) · a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income · 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance. The position is limited to a period of 1 year. The starting date is flexible, but not before 01 November 2026.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
Since its foundation in 1614, the University of Groningen has enjoyed an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative centre of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Balanced study and career paths in a wide variety of disciplines encourage currently more than 35,000 students and researchers to develop their own individual talents. Belonging to the best research universities in Europe and the top 100 universities in the world, the University of Groningen is truly an international place of knowledge.
Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), the Bernoulli Institute conducts research combining theoretical as well as practical aspects of three disciplines, namely Mathematics, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
The research of the cognitive modeling group focuses on understanding the mechanisms of cognition, including decision making, cognitive control, mind-wandering. The research tends to include computational modeling of cognitive processes, as well as using computational tools to conduct the research. More information is available at https://www.rug.nl/research/bernoulli/groups/cognitive-modeling/ This project, however, does not rely strongly on computational methods, and understanding of psychological and neuroscientific methods is much more important.
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Application procedure
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
· CV
· Motivation that outlines how you are a good candidate for the position
· Names and (e-mail) addresses of two references
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Marieke van Vugt
Associate Professor
M.K.van.Vugt@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Marieke van Vugt
Associate Professor
M.K.van.Vugt@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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