post-doc on META MUSEUM: Emotion and Biomarkers

The project aims to investigate emotion-induced bodily and neurophysiological biomarkers using a multi-modal approach that integrates psychometric, physiological, and postural data. It includes the analysis of neurophysiological responses (e.g., EEG, electrodermal activity) alongside postural recordings derived from force plate measurements. These measures will help establish a comprehensive framework to assess well-being, confidence, and emotional engagement.

As a postdoc, you will play a critical role in designing and conducting experiments that explore how emotions influence postural and neurophysiological responses. Key tasks will include the collection and analysis of data such as EEG signals, galvanic skin response, and center-of-pressure (COP) indices, which capture postural activity and emotional states. Your work will contribute to understanding the dynamic interplay between emotion, cognition, and bodily responses in interactive environments.

You will collaborate within a multidisciplinary research team and with international collaborators as part of a large European consortium project related to the transformative nature of cultural items (e.g., in a museum). The role requires expertise in processing and analyzing multimodal data, particularly in integrating spatiotemporal postural dynamics with neurophysiological and psychometric indicators.

For further inquiries about the position, feel free to contact dr Nadia Dominici (n.dominici@vu.nl) and dr John Stins (j.f.stins@vu.nl).

Your duties

• Conduct a review of the existing literature and generate innovative research ideas related to emotion-induced biomarkers and postural responses
• Collaborate and participate in regular meetings with international collaborators as part of a large European consortium project, fostering interdisciplinary exchange and alignment of research objectives
• Co-design and implement experiments that integrate EEG, GSR, force plate data, and psychometric assessments, overseeing data collection in laboratory settings
• Analyze and curate multimodal data, including neurophysiological signals, postural indices, and subjective measures, using advanced analytical techniques
• Present findings at local, national, and international conferences, contributing to the scientific dissemination of results and project deliverables
• Prepare and publish high-quality scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment by supporting colleagues and contributing to the collective goals of the project.

Requirements:

• You have successfully completed a PhD in movement science, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, or related fields. Candidates nearing the completion of their PhD are also encouraged to apply
• You have a strong affinity with the topics of the postdoc project, including emotion-induced biomarkers and postural responses
• You have demonstrable experience in designing and interpreting experiments, with expertise in quantitative research methods such as EEG, force plate data analysis, and other physiological measures
• You possess proficient programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or equivalent software for data analysis and processing
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• You are a collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and communicative abilities
• Affinity with art and cultural heritage is an advantage

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

Salary Benefits:

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

• a salary of minimum € 3.378,00 (Scale 10:0) and maximum € 4.383,00 (Scale 10:6) gross per month, on a full-time basis. This is based on UFO profile Researcher 4. The exact salary depends on your education and experience.
• a position for 1 FTE. Your employment contract will last 13 months.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and regulations. Some examples:

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• contribution to commuting expenses
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package
• discounts on collective insurances (healthcare- and car insurance).

Van der Boechorststraat 7