Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellowship for Early Stage Researchers (ESR2) - “A neuroscience model of human-human interactions”.

Candidates are invited for a full-time Early Stage Researcher/PhD student position part of RHUMBO project (modelling and pRedicting Human decision-making Using Measures of subconscious Brain processes through mixed reality interfaces and biOmetric signals). RHUMBO is an international, multidisciplinary and multisectorial training network on neuroscience. RHUMBO is funded by the European Union's Horizon2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska Curie grant agreement No 813234. https://www.rhumbo.eu
ObjectivesNeuroeconomics combines classical economics and neuroscience to deepen our understanding about the role played by human brain in economic decision-making. Several theoretical models have recognized that decisions made by individuals are widely affected by three factors: the characteristics of the decision, circumstantial-situational factors, and individual differences. Mixed Reality Interfaces (MRET) makes it possible to simulate an environment with better ecological validity and control than previously possible for brain research. The ESR will make use measures of subconscious brain processes through the use of mixed reality technologies (MRET) and advanced biometric signals processing (EEG, fNIRS, GSR, HV, ET, Voice Analysis and Body Postures) to improve the knowledge that contextual factors have in human decision-making. The adopted methodology is two-fold. On one hand, it will evaluate the influence that contextual information has on decision making modulating different perceptual channels (vision, sound, and odour) in virtual environments. On the other hand, it will analyse how different elements present only in “artificial” realities, like navigation and interaction metaphors, will influence decision making. Finally, it will compare virtual immersive reality interfaces vs mixed reality interfaces by designing and conducting experiments in healthy subjects.

Planned secondments: UKB (2 months) to study fMIR technology; AMS (2 months) to study fNIRS technologies, SKU (2 months) to study neural networks models and UVEG (2 months) to study consumer behaviour models.
PhD fellowshipProspective ESRs will be enrolled at the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. ESRs will be expected to complete their courses of study in 3 years for a total of 35 credits. Moreover, ESRs will be expected to spend a minimum of 3 months abroad at Universities and companies participating in the RHUMBO ITN (see Reference number below).
SalaryA base gross salary will be 3700 Euros per month for 3 years + 250 Euros family allowance (if applicable)

Expected results: The ESR will offer new insights into how contextual information influence decision making and how future “artificial” realities will influence human decisions

Duration: 3 years contract, staring May, 1st 2019.

Profile: An engineer with a strong interest in neuroscience or a neuroscientist with a strong interest in MRET. Elegibility criteria in http://rhumbo.eu/webs/rhumbo/eligibility-criteria/
EnquiriesProspective applications should include: 1) Curriculum vitae et studiorum; 2) List of scientific publications (if applicable); 3) a motivation letter specific to the selected ESR application; 4) a statement including a prospective research activity plan (max 1 page). 5) up to 3 recommendation letters.

Strict deadline for applications: February 28th, 2019
A committee will short list the applications for an interview.

Alejandra del Valle ([Email Address Removed])