Psychophysiology, perception, plasticity, sensory deprivation
The researcher will have to pay specific attention to issues relating to sensory processes, which govern the representation and interaction with theoutside world. The researcher's experimental work will have to be conducted using a combination of different methodological approaches that integratecomputational methods for sensory information modeling and data processing.
The candidate must therefore possess a good knowledge of the methods of collection and analysis of data acquired through different disciplinaryapproaches (MRI/EEG/ECoG/biosignal data signal processing), as well as an adequate level of scientific maturity to be considered a researcherindependent also internationally recognized. The proven ability to interact and acquire biosignals from 'special' populations, such as children andindividuals with sensory disabilities will be important.
Furthermore, in relation to the integrated activities carried out by the School, the candidate will have to favor the opening of neuroscience towards jointthemes in the characterization of the development of human perception in other disciplinary fields, and in particular with the themes of social sciences,statistics and machine learning , philosophy of science and engineering. The researcher will therefore also be able to integrate into the experimentalactivities already present at the School (e.g., Innovation Center Lab Neuroscience) and contribute to the definition of joint projects between differentdisciplines, especially on the theme of inclusiveness and accessibility for disabled people in the workplace.
The researcher will be called upon to carry out a teaching load of 60 hours mainly within the Cognitive Computational and Social Neurosciences track aswell as to offer a contribution to the seminar activities of the PhD course and to the supervision of the students, to the organization of seminars,conferences and other scientific initiatives and culture of the school.
The research lines of the PhD in Cognitive, Computational and Social Neuroscience are mainly focused on the themes of human perception, therepresentation of the external world and the interaction with it. The study of these elements is based on the characterization of how these functions andthe underlying neural bases develop. Considering the strategies of the IMT School growth, its doctoral curriculum and the interdisciplinary researchcontext, the candidate for the position of Type B Researcher must possess proven competence in the integrated study of human perception, exploringthe development and refinement of the senses in humans, starting from the neonatal stage, following the development, up to adulthood. The Researcherwill have to provide new translational approaches with other disciplines, such as other fields of psychological sciences, the humanities and engineeringdisciplines. Specifically, extensive experience is required in the study of the development of sensory and perceptual functions throughout the human lifespan up to adulthood, their sensitive periods of high plasticity, their neural correlates and associated behavioral responses , also with reference topathological models of development, which involve temporary or permanent deprivation of external inputs and which can be restored by means of bionicprostheses (e.g. cochlear implant, retinal prosthesis) and/or medical-surgical interventions (e.g. congenital cataract removal, amblyopia treatment). Thecandidate will have to show that he is conducting studies in the multisensory field, researching the different modalities, even the less studied ones (e.g.vestibular system, smell).
PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Neuroscience or related subjects
Ricercatore tempo determinato (legge 240/2010 art. 24 comma 3 lettera b))
M-PSI/02 PSICOBIOLOGIA E PSICOLOGIA FISIOLOGICA - PSYCHOBIOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Selection procedure and criteria
Selection procedure conditions are transparent and are based on international standards.
Procedure
A Selection Committee, appointed by the Director, assesses all applications on the basis online application info and - if provided - reference letters. Applicants selected on the basis of the preliminary analysis are interviewed at the Job Market Meetings in which the Institute is planning to participate, if applicable to the specific academic sector. Alternatively, individual preliminary interviews may also be conducted at IMT or by conference call. Travel expenses to Lucca for the preliminary interview will not be reimbursed. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a Job Market Presentation open to IMT faculty members and students. Travel expenses for the Job Market Presentation will be reimbursed.
Selection Criteria
The evaluation criteria are based on: Quality of research activity, including publications in peer-reviewed journals and references; Research organization experience and participation in international/national research projects and research periods in public and private institutions (academic and non-academic); Relevance of the candidate's profile for the development of IMT's research activities; Teaching, mentoring and supervision experience; Motivation; Excellent knowledge of English, both written and spoken; As well as any other requirements as specified in the advertisement.
Application
Apply ONLINE only.
Before starting prepare the application attachments and information as listed below.
Info
- Personal info and contact info (compulsory)
- Number of your Identity Document (Passport or Identity Card) (compulsory)
- University degree (compulsory) and Ph.D. (obtained, or "ongoing")
- An email, with the appropriate instructions to upload the reference letters will be automatically generated and sent to your referees.
Attachments
- Your CV in English (compulsory);
- One research paper (published or working paper): compulsory.
Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present this research paper in the final stage of the selection.
Additional papers can be submitted for evaluation if desired (to be attached to your application in a single zip file where indicated in the online form). Please check the full call for further information about additional papers.