postdoctoral researcher - part-time

Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG); Gent; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Training opportunities

Holiday leave

Eco vouchers

Job summary

Ghent University invites applications for a postdoctoral position within the InterCom project. The role focuses on leading multimodal data collection in real-world settings, applying EEG and hyperscanning methods, and collaborating across international teams to study neurophysiological synchrony across generations.

The candidate should hold a thesis-based doctorate in neuroscience or psychology, with expertise in EEG and statistical analysis, and a strong track record in fieldwork and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Thesis-based doctorate in neuroscience or psychology (≤6 years since graduation).
• Experience with EEG data collection and signal processing.
• Experience in real-world or naturalistic research settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead multimodal neurophysiology data collection in real-world environments.
• Apply hyperscanning methods (EEG, physiology, motion tracking) for synchrony studies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international partners on cross-cultural data collection.

Skills

EEG data collection

Signal processing

Fieldwork

Statistics

Scientific communication

Teamwork

Supervising researchers

Dutch language

English language

Education

Doctorate in neuroscience or psychology

Job description

ABOUT GHENT UNIVERSITY

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities. With its 11 faculties and more than 80 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

YOUR TASKS

You will join the ERC Consolidator Grant project “InterCom: An interdisciplinary community neuroscience approach to characterize multigenerational interactions” (PI: Prof. Suzanne Dikker). The project investigates how neurophysiological and behavioral alignment supports naturalistic communication between children, adults, and older adults—both within and beyond family contexts. Combining laboratory experiments with real-world community-based data collection in museum and community settings in Europe (The Netherlands) and the United States, InterCom pioneers a “community neuroscience” approach to understanding social communication across generations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading multimodal neurophysiology data collection in real-world environments (e.g., community storytelling events, public spaces, and art/science installations).
• Applying hyperscanning methods (EEG, physiology, motion tracking) to study neural and behavioral synchrony.
• Collaborating with an interdisciplinary team and international partners on cross-cultural and lifespan-diverse data collection, including fieldwork in Belgium with the possibility of fieldwork in the United States, The Netherlands, and beyond.
• Contributing to the development of open-source tools for multimodal data integration and real-time feedback.
• Supervising junior researchers and assisting with data management, dissemination, and outreach activities.
• At least 70% of your assignment will be spent on academic research.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in neuroscience or psychology obtained max. 6 years ago. (This term of 6 years is determined by the date written on the above-mentioned required diploma.)
• Expertise in EEG data collection and signal processing using multiple techniques.
• Experience with research in real-world or naturalistic settings as well as laboratory settings.
• Experience in research involving children as well as adults.
• Ability and interest in conducting community-based fieldwork.
• Fluent in (spoken and written) Dutch and English .
• Strong statistical skills.
• Excellent scientific communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience in supervising and teaching junior researchers.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a contract of definite duration for 14 months fora 20% position.
• Your contract will start on December 1, 2026.
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, a bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits .

As Ghent University maintains an equal opportunities and diversity policy, everyone is encouraged to apply for this position.