Predoctoral Researcher in Cognitive Neuroscience

Universidad de Granada; España; On-site; EUR 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) at the University of Granada is offering a PhD position focused on the neural basis of human cognition. The selected candidate will receive training in cognitive neuroscience, experimental task design, and data acquisition using fMRI and EEG, with opportunities for international collaboration.

The predoctoral student will enroll in the PhD program in Psychology at the University of Granada, with supervision from Maria Ruz.

Qualifications

• A completed undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Signal Engineering, Physics, Biology or related fields.
• A master degree in an area relevant for the topics of the project. Students who are currently enrolled to finish in the 2026/27 academic year will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Learn and contribute with research about the neural basis of human cognition.
• Receive theoretical and practical training in Cognitive Neuroscience, including task design and data acquisition.
• Engage in open science and dissemination activities in papers and conferences.
• Potential research stays in international labs.

Skills

Programming (Matlab)

Programming (Python)

Programming (Java)

Experimental design

Neuroimaging data acquisition

fMRI data collection

EEG data collection

Open science

Dissemination of research

Multivariate analyses

Education

Bachelor degree in Psychology

Bachelor degree in Neuroscience

Bachelor degree in Cognitive Science

Bachelor degree in Signal Engineering

Bachelor degree in Physics

Bachelor degree in Biology

Master degree in a relevant area

Tools

MATLAB

Python

JAVA

3T Prisma scanner

High-density EEG

Multivariate decoding

Job description

Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC)

Organisation/Company Universidad de Granada Department Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) Research Field Neurosciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 16 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

The position will be funded for 4 years within the context of the project “Characterizing the role of prediction and task relevance in neural information coding “(funded throgh the grant ref. PID2025-171459NB-I00 from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities). Starting time may vary from April to Sept 2027.

We are looking for a person highly motivated to learn and contribute with research about the neural basis of human cognition. The selected PhD student will receive theoretical and practical training in Cognitive Neuroscience, including experimental task design, programming (e.g. Matlab, Python, JAVA), behavioral and neuroimaging (fMRI and EEG) data acquisition from humans, univariate and multivariate analyses, dissemination (academic papers and conferences), open science and outreach activities for the non-expert public. There will also be opportunities to conduct research stays in other international labs. Previous experience with either of these activities will be considered a plus for the position.

Applicants should have:

• A completed undergraduate degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Science, Signal Engineering, Physics, Biology or related fields (either 180 or 240 ECTS or equivalent).
• A master degree (120 or 60 ECTS or equivalent) in an area relevant for the topics of the project. Students who are currently enrolled to finish in the 2026/27 academic year will also be considered.

Our lab offers a collaborative and international research environment with access to neuroimaging equipment (research-dedicated 3T Prisma scanner, high-density EEG) and extensive experience in advanced analysis methods, including multivariate decoding. It is part of CIMCYC, a renowed university research center located in the beautiful city of Granada (close to the ski station of Sierra Nevada and to the beach, with a friendly culture and amazing gastronomy) that holds a prestigious Maria de Maeztu seal of excellence ( https://cimcyc.ugr.es/en/research/maria-maeztu-unit-excellence ). The center has a vibrant multidisciplinar environment, with training opportunities and social activities for its members. The predoctoral student will enroll in the PhD program in Psychology of the University of Granada ( https://doctorados.ugr.es/psicologia/?lang=en ), with supervision from Maria Ruz.

Requirements

Research Field Neurosciences Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Psychological sciences Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Biological sciences Education Level Bachelor Degree or equivalent

Research Field Neurosciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC) Country Spain State/Province Granada City Granada Street Campus de Cartuja s/n Geofield