RA_HumanEmpathyPhysiologicalMarkers NIN Amsterdam

Research Assistant Position: Markers of Emotional States in Humans (1.0 FTE)

Are you interested in characterizing the physiological measures that uniquely contribute to humans' emotional reactions in response to others’ emotional states? By combining facial expression responses with electrocardiogram, respiration, and startle reflect potentiation, we aim to dissociate self-distress from the motivation to avoid harm or help others. Join the Social Brain Lab in collaboration with UCSD’s Sanford Center for Empathy and Compassion. This position is ideal for those passionate about interdisciplinary environments, finding patterns in complex datasets, and working at the forefront of social and affective neuroscience.

What You Will Be Doing

As a research assistant, you will be an integral part of our team, examining the emotional and physiological responses of people and rodents to others' distress. Your goals will include refining our ability to measure these responses via physiological read-outs and identifying measures that uniquely characterize empathic responses in humans.

During your assistantship, you will have the opportunity to:

• Learn to use tools for analyzing facial expressions and behavior
• Record electro-cardio and electro-myograms, eye movements, and pupil dilation
• Collaborate with team members in Amsterdam and UCSD collaborators
• Coauthor findings in open access scientific journals
• Prepare for a competitive PhD program in affective or social neuroscience

What You Will Be Contributing

We seek an enthusiastic team player who:

• Has a research master's in neuroscience, behavioral psychology, or related fields
• Enjoys advanced data analysis and statistical inferences
• Enjoys learning new techniques
• Works well both independently and in a team with good communication skills
• Enjoys finalizing projects and writing papers

What We Are Offering

In this 6-month project, you will learn state-of-the-art research skills from leaders in the field. You’ll work within a close-knit team of scientists who value open communication and collaboration. We offer:

• Learning to analyze behavior and psychophysiological paradigms to measure affective responses
• Training in performing empathy and harm-aversion related paradigms
• Opportunities to become an expert in social neuroscience
• A community of research assistants, PhD students, and postdocs working on related projects
• Guidance, support, and mentoring from two Principal Investigators
• A 6-month contract for 1.0 FTE according to the CAO NU
• Additional benefits, including an 8.3% end-of-year bonus and 8% holiday pay

Your Workplace

The Social Brain Lab at the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

Your main base will be at the Social Brain Lab, where you’ll work closely with supervisors Dr. Valeria Gazzola and Prof. Christian Keysers. The lab focuses on shedding light on the neural mechanisms of empathy by combining studies in humans and rodents. Funded by European and international grants, the SBL hosts a diverse environment, appreciated for its collaborative and supportive atmosphere, encouraging scientific success and recognition.

Terms of Employment

The appointment will initially be for 6 months and may be extended based on performance and funding availability.

For More Information

Please contact Laura Hammock at l.hammock@nin.knaw.nl

Application Procedure

Evaluation of candidates will begin immediately. Shortlisted candidates will receive a short assignment to be completed within 48 hours, followed by a Zoom interview and site visit for final candidates. Final decisions will be communicated within three months after submission.

About the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience

The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience is the country’s leading fundamental neuroscience research institute, located in the dynamic and international city of Amsterdam. It offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with English as the working language.