INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION
Position: PhD student
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1- up to the point of PhD)
Number of vacancies: 1
Project: CORTICAL RHYTHMS: Aligning Brain Rhythms: Understanding the mechanisms of cortical tracking of speech to improve language functions with real time closed-loop neurofeedback
Location: Spain > San Sebastian
Research Field: Neuroscience
Type of contract/Duration of Contract: Temporary > 4 years
Job Status: Full-time
Hours per week: 35
Starting date: January 2025 (flexible)
Application deadline: 31st October 2024
Information about the project:
Speech processing and reading are essential unique human abilities underpinning social, educational, and professional advancement. However, early biomarkers of speech processing deficits that have been documented in reading disabilities such as Developmental Dyslexia (DD) have yet to be identified. Here, we will explore whether the cortical tracking of speech (CTS) - the temporal alignment between fluctuations in the speech signal and fluctuations in electrical brain activity – can predict later reading deficits in DD. Cutting edge neuroimaging tools, carefully designed tasks, and longitudinal designs will be used to record CTS. Specifically, we will investigate whether CTS at an early age in speech processing and reading development (preschool years) can help detect early DD risks by predicting the children who will be diagnosed with DD later on (Grade 2 of primary school).
This project represents a radically new scientific approach that will break new ground by investigating CTS and will allow us to:
establish causal relationships between CTS and speech processing and reading skills
use this novel approach to detect, diagnose and remediate DD.
Job description:
Designing and implementing longitudinal studies in young children with and without familiar risk of DD
Analysing electrophysiological recordings and EEG data during speech processing
Writing research papers under the supervision of the PI, aiming to publish at top-tier journals
Dissemination of results at international scientific conferences
CANDIDATES' PROFILE AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Required skills:
Good knowledge of the field of cognitive neuroscience and/or linguistics, experimental psychology
Master's (or equivalent) degree in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Linguistics, and/or other relevant areas
Experience with EEG signal analyses
Strong background in experiment programming and statistical analyses
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Desirable skills:
Previous experience in participating in research projects (e.g., data collection, analysis) is desired
Experience with research projects in children
Knowledge of Spanish (or willingness to learn) is a plus
WORKING CONDITIONS
Salary: 21,000€/year gross on average across the four years of the contract
Training opportunities and Career development plan:
Researchers at any stage of their career, regardless of their contractual situation, are given an opportunity for professional development and for improving their employability through access to a Personal Career Development Plan which includes:
Training through individually personalized research projects under senior supervision
Exchanging knowledge with the scientific community and the general public
Network-wide training in theory and methods
Complementary training courses
Involvement in proposal writing, task coordination
Development of skills for the organization of training and scientific events
BCBL seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support contact us.
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Language policy
The corporative language at the Center is English
The center provides initial level Spanish and Basque lessons to all the international staff members
The interview will be conducted entirely in English
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Submission of the application and documentation:
To submit your application, applying for "Ph.D. Position - ERC - CORTICAL RHYTHMS (AT RISK)" and attach the following documentation:
A curriculum vitae
A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position
Transcript of records for the master and bachelor degrees
Two letters of recommendation
Application process timetable:
Deadline for application: 31/10/2024
Evaluation by committee: 04/11/2024-15/11/2024
Interviews: 18/11/2024-29/11/2024
Final decision: 02/12/2024
Feedback to all applicants: 03/12/2024
Work contract start date: 15/01/2025
Please note that the dates are for reference only and may vary.
Contact details for enquiries: ******
Marie Lallier and Marina Kalashnikova are also very happy to hold informal chats on the project and the position with prospective candidates: ****** and ******
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