Postdoc Position: Affective Neuroscience Lab Radboud University in Netherlands

Radboud University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher in the Affective Neuroscience Lab, embedded within the Faculty of Social Sciences and the Behavioural Science Institute (BSI), and based at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (DCCN) in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. This ERC-funded lab, led by Professor Karin Roelofs, investigates heart-brain interactions and threat-driven approach–avoidance decisions using advanced neuroimaging and neuromodulation techniques.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team and help lead research projects focused on real-time tracking of brain and body activity (including heart rate, posture, and neuroimaging) to understand how stress influences decision-making. A key research component is testing causal mechanisms through neuromodulation, specifically transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS). The postdoc will co-supervise PhD and Master’s students, manage aspects of the ERC-funded team, and have the opportunity to conduct independent research. Responsibilities also include assisting with medical ethical applications and reporting to the ERC, and collaborating with colleagues at the Donders Institute, BSI, and international partners.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., cognitive or affective neuroscience, computational psychiatry, human decision sciences, neuromodulation) and demonstrate expertise in at least one of the following: human neuroimaging (MEG and/or fMRI), computational modelling of behavioural, neural, or psychophysiological data (e.g., heart rate, SCR), or neuromodulation (preferably TUS). Strong social, communication, and organisational skills are required, as is experience supervising Master’s students. Candidates should be motivated to contribute to a lab culture grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusivity, respect, transparency, open science, and community outreach.

The position offers a temporary contract of one year, with the prospect of extension for three years. Salary ranges from €4,728 to €6,433 per month (scale 11), based on a 38-hour work week, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Additional benefits include extra days off, flexible working hours, reimbursement for sports membership, a 34% discount on sports and cultural activities, a pension plan, and access to training and development schemes. Employees can tailor their employment conditions, including exchanging income for extra leave days.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is dedicated to studying human behaviour, cognition, education, communication, society, and culture, and provides education to 6,000 students with 700 staff. Research is conducted within three institutes: Donders Centre for Cognition, Behavioural Science Institute, and Radboud Social Cultural Research. Radboud University is committed to inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities, fostering a supportive and collaborative academic environment.

Applications must be submitted online via the provided link, addressed to Prof. Karin Roelofs. The application form details required documents. The deadline is 31 May 2026, with interviews scheduled for June and preferred employment start before 1 September 2026. For further information, contact Prof. Karin Roelofs at [email protected].