Doctoral Student position in brain research in Finland | Aalto University

Open DOCTORAL STUDENT position in brain research project on the cortical basis of hearing and speech processing

We are looking for a doctoral student to work in a project which involves the study of human brain function using non-invasive neuroimaging at Aalto University. The specific focus area is the neural basis of hearing and the processing of speech in the brain. The doctoral student will be based at the Brain and Mind Laboratory (BML) which is part of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science (BECS), Aalto University School of Science. The research methods include magnetoencephalography (MEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and behavioural measurements. The project, combining psychology, neurosciences, and computational methods, aims to reveal how the human auditory system and its memory mechanisms have evolved to become specialized in processing speech signals. The project is funded by the Academy of Finland and Aalto University.

Job Description

The tasks of the doctoral student comprise the running of MEG experiments at Biomag Laboratory (Helsinki University Central Hospital), carrying out behavioral measurements and data analyses, as well as reporting the results in high-quality international peer-reviewed journals. The work will lead to a Ph.D. degree under the joint instruction of Dr. Hannu Tiitinen and Dr. Patrick May, and under the supervision of Prof. Mikko Sams.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an applicant who has recently completed, or is nearing completion, of a master’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, physics, or engineering. We are especially seeking applicants with an interest in developing their skills in cognitive neuroscience and computational methods. Programming skills are desirable. The applicant is expected to have both good teamwork skills and an ability to work independently. A good command of English is required.

What do we have to offer?

We are offering an opportunity to work in a top-level multidisciplinary research environment. The work can be started in autumn 2013. We offer an outstanding research infrastructure and an intellectually stimulating multidisciplinary environment. The project combines the expertise in cognitive neuroscience of BECS at Aalto University and Biomag Laboratory at Helsinki University Central Hospital. The brain research infrastructure of these institutions offers a range of state-of-the-art neuroimaging methods (e.g., fMRI, MEG, EEG, TMS). We also offer a competitive salary and flexible working hours: The salary will be determined by the Aalto University salary scheme (2374,46€/month), and the position includes health care benefits. The position is full-time, based on the total working time of 1600 hours a year.

How can I apply?

Applications should be sent by e-mail, no later than October 31, 2013, to the Aalto University Registry (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.) as well as to Dr. Tiitinen (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.) and Dr. May (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.), with “Doctoral student position/BECS” as well as the applicant’s name written on the subject line. The application should include the following documents in PDF format:

1. Short application letter, telling us why you want to work with us and why we should select you

2. Degree diplomas and transcripts of studies

3. Curriculum vitae

4. Letter(s) of recommendation

For more information:

Dr. Hannu Tiitinen (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.) and Dr. Patrick May (Αυτή η διεύθυνση Email προστατεύεται από τους αυτοματισμούς αποστολέων ανεπιθύμητων μηνυμάτων. Χρειάζεται να ενεργοποιήσετε τη JavaScript για να μπορέσετε να τη δείτε.); Department of Biomedical Engineering and Computational Science (BECS), Aalto University, PO Box 12200, FI-00076 AALTO, Finland

About Aalto University

Aalto University was created in 2010 from a high-profile merger between three leading universities in Finland: the Helsinki School of Economics, the Helsinki University of Technology, and the University of Art and Design Helsinki. Aalto University opens up new possibilities for strong multi-disciplinary education and research. The university’s ambitious goal is to rank among the top universities in the world in its areas of specialization. At Aalto, there are currently 20,000 students and a staff of 4,500.

For further information, see Aalto University website and “How to apply”.