The Proaction Laboratory (Jorge Almeida’s Lab; proactionlab.fpce.uc.pt) at the University of Coimbra (www.uc.pt), Portugal is looking for 3 motivated and bright Research Assistants to work on a prestigious ERC Starting Grant project (ContentMAP; https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/802553) on the neural organization of object knowledge. In this project we are exploring how complex information is topographically organized in the brain using fMRI and state of the art analytical techniques, as well as computational approaches, and neuromodulation. We strongly and particularly encourage applications from women, and from underrepresented groups in academia.

General Requirements for the positions:
1. Candidates should have a BA and/or MA in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Computer Science, Computational Neuroscience or any other related field as long as their work relates to the specific profiles below.
2. They should already have their diplomas (so that we can start the process of recognition in Portugal, which is a necessary step for hiring).
3. Interest in object recognition and neural representation.
5. Very good English (oral and written) communicative skills are necessary.

Specific requirements for the positions:
1. Understanding of and experience with fMRI and data analysis, and specifically with MVPA.
2. Strong programming skills (matlab, python, etc.) are a requirement.

Salary and duration:
The position will start as soon as possible and finish in January 2024.
The salary is the standard for a PhD student in Portugal – about 1100 per month tax free. Note that cost of living in Portugal (and particularly in Coimbra) is low compared to major European and American cities.

Working conditions:
The researcher will work directly with Jorge Almeida in Coimbra. The researcher will also be encouraged to develop her/his own projects and look for additional funding so that the stay can be extended. In fact, the expectation is that the applicants start a PhD one year after starting their positions.
We have access to 2 3T MRI scanner with a 32-channel coil, to tDCS with neuronavigation, and to a fully set psychophysics lab. We have EEG and eyetracking on site. We also have access, through other collaborations, to a 7T scanner.
Finally, the University of Coimbra is a 700 year old University and has been selected as a UNESCO world Heritage site. Coimbra is one of the most lively university cities in the world, and it is a beautiful city with easy access to the beach and mountain.

How can I apply:
Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as these positions will be closed as they are filled. Nevertheless, the deadline in May 15. The interested candidates should email Jorge Almeida for questions and applications. Please send an email (jorgealmeida@fpce.uc.pt) with the subject “Research assistant positions under ERC - ContentMAP” with:
1. The Curriculum Vitae with a list of publications,
2. 2 Reference letters
3. A motivation letter with a short description of your experience in the field and how you fulfill the requirements (fit with the position).

Scheduled maintenance in progress.