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Postdoc Description
Implicit Cognition and Addiction: Changing Perspectives and New Interventions.

Addictive behaviours are seen as a disturbed balance between automatically triggered appetitive processes (Attentional Bias and Approach-bias), and Executive Control (EC) processes which moderate appetitive processes. Recently, we developed a number of cognitive training interventions aimed at restoring this balance; either through re-training of an automatic approach bias (Wiers et al., 2011, Psychol Sc; Eberl et al 2012 Dev Cogn Neurosc), an attentional bias (Schoenmakers et al., 2010), or through training executive control in general (e.g. Houben et al., 2011 Psychol Sc) or inhibition in relation to a specific category (e.g., Houben et al., 2011 Drug Alc Dep). In this project we want to examine the neural changes involved in this type of cognitive training interventions.

The candidate will study neural effects of cognitive training interventions (details to be determined with the rest of the team). We are also interested in neurocognitive moderators of the training effects (e.g. neural flexibility). The project is supervised by Prof. dr Reinout Wiers. The successful applicant will be part of the ADAPT (Addiction Development and Psychopathology)-lab, a group of enthusiastic postdoctoral fellows, PhD students and research masters students, led by Reinout Wiers. In addition, the successful applicant can join in the ACACIA group, led by Prof. Richard Ridderinkhof. At the Spinoza center all imaging facilities are in place.

Requirements

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with hands on experience with the latest MRI techniques, with good first-author papers on the subject. Experience with MRS is a pre, but not necessary, as is the ability to speak Dutch. Candidates must have a PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or in a closely related field. Experience in computer programming (e.g., presentation), quantitative data analysis of neuroimaging data (MatLab, FSL) will be a significant plus. We are searching for candidates who are committed to scientific excellence.

Tasks

The successful applicant will be expected to design and run a series of MRI experiments with a clinical group (with the help of a research assistant), analyze the data, present the results at national and international conferences, and publish the results in international scientific journals. The postdoc will also be expected to assist in teaching courses and seminars at the BA and the MA level (max. 15% of the time).

The position is for a period of 18 months. The salary will be €3.227 based on a full-time appointment. Secondary working conditions at Dutch universities are attractive and include 8% holiday pay and 8.3% end of year.

The starting date is between June and September 2013.

Job Application

Please refer to the vacancy number in your application and include

a motivation letter, a detailed CV, and names and email addresses of two academics, who may be contacted for references.

Please submit applications before 6 May 6 2013 via email to Ms. J. Verduijn. J.Verduijn@uva.nl