We are considering applications for 2 PhD candidate positions to join our team at the University of Zurich, Switzerland beginning May 2024 (or slightly later). This interdisciplinary project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation spans three interinstitutional research groups (Balgrist University Hospital [Petra Schweinhardt], University of Zurich [Milan Scheidegger], the Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich [Bigna Lenggenhager, Milan Scheidegger], and the University Hospital of Zurich [Felix Scholkmann]) and will encompass several studies focusing on the neurophenomenological effects of virtual reality and/or psychedelics on bodily plasticity and acute/chronic pain.
Competitive applicants will have a master’s degree with demonstrated interests and skills in (fNIRS) neuroimaging and/or virtual reality programming. Although both PhD candidates will be working closely together throughout the project duration due to the significant overlap of VR and neuroimaging, they will be co-mentored by different professors due to the position-specific methodology and will further collaborate with the senior project coordinator/postdoctoral researcher on the project. PhD researchers should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to work independently in an interdisciplinary team.
PhD Position 1
This PhD candidate’s research will focus on fNIRS data collection and analysis. They will work closely with Felix Scholkmann from the University Hospital Zurich and explore neural activity under the influence of psychedelics and virtual reality. Good knowledge of data analysis and technical programming (Matlab, R) is required.
PhD Position 2
This PhD candidate will have VR programming experience (Unity3D preferred) and be responsible for creating virtual environments that will include full-body virtual avatars with real-time (visuomotor) tracking of the limbs. The projects will include the investigation of body perception and pain in virtual reality and under psychedelic substances.
The positions will involve conducting research and performing experiments with healthy individuals and chronic pain patients. Further responsibilities will include the analysis of data, preparation and presentation of research results and lab meetings and conferences, and assisting in the work of other lab members. We offer a 3.5–4-year employment (dependent on starting date) with competitive salaries defined according to the SNSF guidelines. PhD candidates can be embedded in the Neuroscience (ZNZ) PhD or Psychology PhD program at the University of Zurich.
Interested applications are requested to submit their CV and 2–3 references (contact information) together with a cover letter/letter of intent (as a single PDF) stating your research interests to the project coordinator Jasmine Ho (meo.studies@bli.uzh.ch) by December 15th, 2023. Informal inquiries by email are welcome.