Postdoctoral Researcher on Neural Mechanisms of Auditory Attention (fMRI/EEG)
A Postdoctoral Researcher position is open at the Attentional Multimodal Networks research group led by Dr. Patrik Wikman (https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/attentional-multimodal-networks) starting from 1st of December 2024 (or agreed, latest 1st of May 2025). The position is initially for 10 months, with the possibility for extension through application for further funding by the applicant and PI.
Our research
Our laboratory is located at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland. We use the EEG lab at the Department of Psychology, Helsinki, and fMRI lab at AMI-centre in Aalto University, Espoo.
We study how sensory systems function in various behavioural contexts in humans, using different neuronal measurement techniques, such as behavioral measurements, fMRI, and EEG. The applicant will work in a project called ‘Solving the puzzle of natural auditory object perception – neural mechanisms in humans and animal models’, funded by the Research Council of Finland. The project aims to bridge a gap between ‘cocktail party’ -speech research and the study of natural auditory objects, such as instrumental, animal, and speech sounds. Specifically, we try to delineate how the auditory cortex manages to separate relevant sound objects in complex auditory scenes with overlapping objects. The project is conducted in collaboration with Prof. J. Rauschecker (Georgetown University), Prof. C. Petkov (Iowa University) and Prof. Emer. K. Alho (University of Helsinki).
We have developed and flexibility use several multivariate methods specifically curated for complex naturalistic stimuli and paradigms, such as multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA), representational similarity analysis (RSA), and statistical shape analysis (e.g., Procrustes, hyperalignment). Recently, we have analysed EEG data from experiments with continuous stimuli, such as speech. For this purpose, we use stimulus reconstruction and temporal response function (TRF) estimation. We have also pioneered EEG-fMRI -fusion (www.mv.helsinki.fi/home/jkaurama/vdialog/) to combine TRFs estimated from EEG with fMRI signatures (Wikman et al., PloS Biology, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.3002534). We are currently working on expanding the use of these methods from controlled laboratory experiments to real-world settings. Thus, this position offers a unique opportunity to learn and implement several timely multivariate neuroimaging and electrophysiology tools.
The successful applicant will join a multidisciplinary team that combines naturalistic experimental paradigms with different neuroimaging methods to understand brain mechanisms underlying attention, dyslexia, executive functioning, sound perception, and emotional processing. Our team comprises the PI, one postdoc (until March), four doctoral researchers, Master’s level students, and varying number of research assistants. The group is located at the Meilahti medical campus, the largest biomedical campus in Finland with excellent research facilities and networking opportunities. Our research is funded by the Research Council of Finland, the Faculty of Medicine, Emil Aaltonen foundation, among others.
Your mission
We are looking for ambitious fellows with a PhD, a solid publication record and strong background in one or more of the following experimental and computational areas:
• fMRI, EEG, invasive electrophysiology, ECoG
• Multivariate neuroimaging methods (MVPA, RSA, stimulus reconstruction, TRF, statistical shape analysis, functional connectivity; see e.g., Wikman et al., CCN, 2024, https://2024.ccneuro.org/poster/?id=189) with Matlab and/or Python
• Sensory perception and/or selective attention
The postdoctoral fellow will mainly work on analysing already gathered data (fMRI, EEG) and further development of the aforementioned methods, as well as a limited amount (max 1 month) of EEG-data collection. They will use stimulus reconstruction and TRF-analysis on EEG-data and multivariate pattern analysis methods on fMRI-data. The results are expected to yield several international publications. We encourage candidates to develop their own projects and explore new research directions that will support their transition to an independent career. Applicants should be comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, with strong communication skills in English.
A foundational understanding and interest in neural mechanisms underlying sensory perception and selective attention are important. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to co-mentor doctoral and master’s students.
What we offer
Join our dynamic research team and become part of a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. We provide exceptional training and mentorship to help you advance in your ambitious scientific career. Our lab fosters a collaborative and enthusiastic environment, leveraging our national and international scientific networks. This position offers unique opportunities to broaden your research connections.
The salary will be based on the University salary scheme for research and teaching staff. The starting salary will be ca. 3 600 – 4 000 euros/month, depending on the appointee’s qualifications and experience. The salary will guarantee a high quality of life in Helsinki.
Employment is expected to start on December 1st 2024, or agreed, latest 1st of May 2025, at fixed 10-months position, with a possibility of prolongation. A 5-month trial period will be applied.
The University of Helsinki offers comprehensive services to its employees, including occupational health care and health insurance, unemployment and pension fund, a generous holiday package, sports facilities, and opportunities for professional development: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers.
The chosen applicant is expected to reside in Finland while employed by the University of Helsinki.
How to apply
Applications should be submitted through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the "Apply now" button.
Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) submit their applications by using the Employee Login button.
The closing date for applications is November 13th 2024.
Please send your application with following enclosures:
1. A complete CV, including PhD thesis title and date of defense, previous and current positions, academic distinctions, teaching and committee work
2. A complete list of publications
3.A summary of current research work (half page) and research vision for postdoctoral goals (half page)
For further information on the position, please contact Patrik Wikman: patrik.wikman (at) helsinki.fi.
The University of Helsinki welcomes applicants of any gender and age, linguistic or cultural background, or minority group.
About us
The Faculty of Medicine promotes high quality scientific research. It provides research-based undergraduate and postgraduate education in medicine, dentistry, psychology and logopedics, and an international Master's Programme in Translational Medicine. It also offers psychotherapist education. In addition to its teaching and research activities, the faculty serves as a significant expert organisation in the healthcare sector and contributes to the discourse on ethics in the field. The faculty aims to be one of the best medical research faculties in the world, while reinforcing its status as a distinguished institution of multidisciplinary education in healthcare: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-medicine.
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Helsinki constitutes the academic medical centre together with HUS Helsinki University Hospital and the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). This medical centre has been successful in international comparisons, ranking among the top 10 medical campuses in Europe and the top 50 globally.
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