University Oslo, Norway Doctoral Research Fellowship 2016 in Cognitive Neuroscience

Doctoral Research Fellowship in Cognitive Neuroscience

Job Description

A Doctoral Research Fellowship (Ph.D.) is available in the Research Group for Lifespan Changes in Brain and Cognition (LCBC, http://www.oslobrains.no/) at the Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Norway. LCBC has a staff of more than 20 full time positions, including several PhD candidates/post-doctoral fellows. Our research aims at acquiring knowledge about brain changes from birth to old age, what consequences these changes have for cognitive capacities, and which factors can influence them.

The position is financed by the Norwegian Research Council (NFR) and the project "Lifebrain: breaking new ground in lifespan cognitive neuroscience”. Within this framework, the aim of the Ph.D. project is to study the life-span changes in hemispheric asymmetry and connectivity. The main focus will be on acquiring knowledge about the development of structural hemispheric asymmetry across the life-span, i.e. from childhood to old adult age, and how this development relates to the development of inter-hemispheric connectivity via the corpus callosum. The relation of structural and functional (cognitive) development will be studied. The Ph.D. project will be led by Associate Professor René Westerhausen (for more information, please contact: rene.westerhausen@psykologi.uio.no)

The appointment is for 3 years. A 4^th year can be considered with the addition of 25 % teaching requirements, depending on the competence of the applicant and the needs of the department. The screening process of the applicants will be guided by the qualifications stated below. Potential for a further research career and personal suitability will also be considered important factors.

The fellowship period may be reduced within the framework of pertaining regulations based on previously held research fellowship positions.

The research fellow must take part in the Faculty's approved PhD program and is expected to complete the project within the set fellowship period.

Qualifications and Personal Skills

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a master's degree within a relevant area, such as psychology, medicine, neurobiology/neuroscience, or equivalent. The candidate must further be admissible to the Ph.D. programme of the Department of Psychology (refer to:http://www.sv.uio.no/english/research/phd/application/phd-fellowship.html)
• Interest in brain and cognition through the lifespan is necessary, and experience with theoretical and empirical work where age is a variable, in development and/or higher age will be regarded a strength.
• A central task being part of the position is handling and processing of MRI data. It is beneficial to have expertise in imaging techniques, and experience with FreeSurfer/ FSL and/or Matlab will be regarded as strength.
• A central task being part of the position is handling cognitive and behavioral data. The applicant should have a fundamental interest in and understanding of such measures
• Fundamental knowledge of statistical analyses is necessary. Knowledge of advanced statistical methods, e.g. analysis of longitudinal data, can be regarded a strength.
• Good competence in English is necessary. LCBC is an international group that has English as its language at work. However, since the Ph.D. project will include data collection, a good command of Norwegian (or other Scandinavian language) will be considered a strength.

In assessing applications, particular emphasis will be placed upon the quality of the candidate's academic qualifications. Interviews with selected candidates may be arranged where the applicant's personal prerequisites and cooperative skills will be emphasized.

We offer

• Salary grade 50-57 (NOK 430 500 - 483 700 per annum) depending on competence/length of service. Regular starting salary is grade 50.
• Professional development in a stimulating academic environment
• Attractive welfare arrangements
• Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund

The application must be submitted electronically and include

• Letter of application
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) summarizing education, positions, and academic work
• Copies of educational certificates and a pdf of the final thesis of the highest acquired academic degree (e.g., master thesis or comparable) should be provided. Also, if available, relevant scientific publication may be listed.
• Names and contact details of at least two references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

International applicants must attach an explanation of their University's grading system and are advised to apply for NOKUT's general recognition of higher education. Please remember that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

According to the "Norwegian Freedom of Information Act" information about an applicant may be included in the public applicants list, even if the applicant has requested non-disclosure

Please also refer to the regulations pertaining to the conditions of employment for research fellowship positions (English translation): Guidelines concerning appointment to Postdoctoral and research posts at the University of Oslo.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo has a goal of recruiting more women in academic positions.
Women are encouraged to apply.

The University of Oslo also has a goal of recruiting ethnic minorities to Norway in academic positions.  Ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply.