PRR Project

Summary

We will hire a faculty member from cognitive neuroscience or a related field to advance new lines of research on mind-body interactions utilizing a wide-array of neurocognitive assessment tools – from brain imaging and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to psychophysics. This position will add a cutting-edge neuroimaging researcher to the portfolio of FPCEUP, fostering enhanced collaboration with other faculty members and creating opportunities for new lines of research within the University of Porto.Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, or a related field, with expertise in neuroimaging and psychophysiological assessment, and optionally expertise in advanced statistical methods including machine-learning (e.g., generating predictive models) and artificial intelligence with a special emphasis on natural language processing. Strong proficiency in experimental research methods and statistics is essential, along with a proven track record of conducting research that explores fundamental questions about cognition and its applicability to the study of mind-body interactions.The position-holder is expected to sustain an active research program, engage graduate students, and promote community-wide participation (more below). They will also contribute to our master´s and doctoral programs, providing mentorship, instruction, and research supervision to graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in all programs currently available at FPCEUP and at the University of Porto. They will also be expected to attract funding from national and international funding agencies. RESEARCH PROGRAMThis position is intended to develop a new line of research on mind-body processes thus extending the scientific agenda of the Mind, Body and Brain Research Group of the Center for Psychology at the University of Porto (CPUP), while at the same time enlisting expertise in neuroimaging and psychophysical techniques. This will allow us to innovate our research program by further addressing fundamental questions on how brain mechanisms related to memory, learning, language, attention and emotion can influence the perception of sensory and bodily stimuli—that is, how the mind/brain shapes the experience of the body. The study of brain plasticity, and how these systems dynamically change with experience, or through pathology, will also be of interest, as it relates to previous research of the group on neurocognitive plasticity elicited by training in sports and music, and potential transfer effects thereof. Expected applicable fields of study for this position include the study of sensory experiences such as pain and interoception, and how these are modulated by general cognitive abilities and emotional/affective processing. Particular emphasis will be placed in lines of research with clear translational value, whereby the discovery and innovations taken from the study of basic processes and mechanisms can be used to further understand and address clinical phenomena. The research program should prioritize interpretability and actionability, and focus on identifying psychological surrogates for neural mechanisms, through the usage of behavioral testing, psychometric assessment, and psychological profiling. Novel approaches to aid in interpretability, such as natural language and artificial intelligence, are highly encouraged.Experience analyzing psychophysical and imaging data using diverse, appropriate, and sound methodologies and statistical procedures, as well as disseminating findings through scientific publications in high-quality journals and conferences is required. Advanced knowledge in employing data-driven techniques, building machine-learning models, and employing natural language processing is optional, but will be positively assessed. The scientific production is expected to have national and international impact, advancing knowledge in fundamental aspects of cognition, and contributing to the establishment of a strong line of research in the candidate’s field. COLLABORATIONS AND EXTERNAL FUNDINGCollaborative work with other faculty within FPCEUP and with other centers from UP is integral to this position. The candidate is expected to contribute to extend interdepartmental collaborations, and to bridge the gap between basic science and applied research by developing unifying methodology – neuroimaging and other. We further seek to reinforce the internationalization of our faculty. Accordingly, national, and international collaborations, past international experience, and participation in international research projects/networks will be valued. The candidate is expected to have a robust track record of successfully applying for and securing research funding, particularly in the international arena. Furthermore, the position holder is expected to apply for a European Research Council (ERC) starting grant within 1-2 years from the commencement of the position.