Postdoctoral Researcher - National Fund

Postdoctoral Researcher - National Fund

Job description

The Interfaculty Centre for Affective Sciences is launching a call for applications for a postdoctoral researcher position under the supervision of Prof. Eva R. Pool, as part of the project «Revisiting the role of affect in reward-seeking behaviour» funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

This project aims to study how affective representations influence the flexibility of reward-seeking behaviours and how an asymmetry between perceptual attributes and affective value determines reward-seeking behaviours. The project combines computational modelling and functional brain imaging (fMRI) within a transdiagnostic theoretical framework.

The successful candidate will join a research team led by Prof. Eva R. Pool ( Affect Learning and Decision Lab, Interfaculty Centre for Affective Sciences and Department of Psychology, FPSE, University of Geneva) and will actively contribute to the implementation and scientific realisation of the project. More specifically, the responsibilities of the successful candidate will include:

• Designing and implementing experimental studies using behavioural and neuroimaging methods.
• Coordinating data collection online and in the laboratory.
• Using research equipment necessary for the project, including notably fMRI, eye-tracking systems and physiological recording.
• Analysing fMRI, behavioural and psychophysiological data using advanced statistical methods and reinforcement learning algorithms.
• Communicating results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Managing data and implementing rigorous open science practices throughout the project.

Title and required skills

Applications are open to individuals with the following qualifications:

Required qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, or a similar field.
• Strong experience in empirical and quantitative research, including experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in computational modelling techniques (e.g., reinforcement learning).
• Proficiency in fMRI data analysis.
• Proficiency with statistical software and programming environments (R, Python, bash scripting).

Desirable qualifications:

• Proven ability to publish in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Basic knowledge of French or willingness to learn it is a plus to facilitate communication with students and participants. However, this is not a requirement.

Starting date

1 December 2026 or to be agreed.

Contact

The initial contract duration is one year at 80% with the possibility of renewal for an additional 2 years at 80%.

Your application must include:

• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and the project
• An academic curriculum vitae (including your scientific outputs, list of publications and, if possible, your ORCID/OSF/Git links)
• Two representative scientific outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, preprints, book chapters, doctoral thesis, conference proceedings or datasets)
• A letter of recommendation + the names and contact details of two academic referees whom you authorise us to contact

and must be submitted exclusively online by clicking on the «Apply now» button.

The application deadline is set for 15 July 2026. However, we review all applications on a rolling basis, so we advise you to apply as soon as possible. For more information or informal enquiries, you can contact Prof. Eva R Pool by email ( eva.pool@unige.ch )

Additional information

Why join us?

• Join the Interfaculty Centre for Affective Sciences (University of Geneva), an internationally renowned centre for the study of affective phenomena, located at Campus Biotech in Geneva.
• Collaborate with leading researchers in cognitive and affective neuroscience.
• Access cutting-edge research infrastructures and resources at the Brain and Behaviour Laboratory and Campus Biotech.
• Be part of an interdisciplinary and inclusive research community.
• Benefit from professional development and networking opportunities.
• Enjoy excellent working conditions.

We value curiosity, collaboration and a supportive research environment. We are committed to removing barriers and fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and empowered to succeed. We advocate equality, diversity and inclusion.

Job description

The Swiss Center for Affective Sciences is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position to work under the supervision of Prof. Eva R. Pool on the project «Revisiting the role of affect in reward-seeking behaviour» funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

This project aims to study how affective representations influence the flexibility of reward-seeking behaviours and how an asymmetry between perceptual attributes and affective value determines reward-seeking patterns. The project combines computational modelling and functional brain imaging (fMRI) within a transdiagnostic theoretical framework.

The successful applicant will join the research team led by Prof. Eva R. Pool (Affect Learning and Decision Lab, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences and Department of Psychology, FAPSE, University of Geneva) and will play an active role in the project’s scientific implementation. Specifically, the successful applicant’s responsibilities include:

• Designing and setting up experimental studies using behavioural and neuroimaging methods.
• Coordinate online and in laboratory data collection.
• Operating research equipment required for the project, including fMRI, eye-tracking, and physiological recording systems.
• Analyse fMRI, behavioural, and psychophysiological data using advanced statistical methods and reinforcement learning algorithms.
• Disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at scientific conferences.
• Manage data and implement rigorous open science practices throughout the project.

Required qualifications

Applications are open to individuals with the following qualifications:

Essential qualifications:

• PhD in neuroscience, psychology, computer science, or a related field.
• Strong background in empirical and quantitative research, including experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in computational modelling techniques (e.g., reinforcement learning).
• Proficiency in fMRI data analysis.
• Proficiency with statistical software and programming environments (R, Python, bash scripting).

Desirable qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Basic knowledge of French or willingness to learn is a plus to facilitate interactions with students and participants. However, it is not a requirement.

Starting date

1 December 2026, or to be agreed upon.

The initial term of employment is 1 year at 80%, with the possibility of renewal for a period of 2 years at 80%.

How to apply

Your application should include:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation for the position and your interest in the project
• An academic curriculum vitae (including research achievements, list of research outputs, and ORCID/OSF/Git links if available)
• Two representative research outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, preprints, book chapters, PhD thesis, conference proceedings, or datasets)
• One letter of recommendation + the names and contact details of two academic references whom you agree we may contact

And must be submitted online only by clicking on the ‘Apply now’ button.

The closing date for application is 15 July 2026. However, we review all applications on a rolling basis and therefore advise you to apply as soon as possible. For further information or informal enquiries, please contact Prof. Eva R Pool via email (eva.pool@unige.ch).

Additional information

The English translation is provided for information purposes and only the French version is binding.

Why join us?

• Work at the internationally renowned Swiss Center for Affective Sciences (University of Geneva), located at Campus Biotech in Geneva
• Collaborate with leading researchers in cognitive and affective neuroscience.
• Access cutting-edge research infrastructures and resources at the Brain and Behaviour Laboratory and of Campus Biotech
• Be part of an interdisciplinary and inclusive research community
• Benefit from professional development and networking opportunities
• Enjoy excellent working conditions

We value curiosity, collaboration, and a supportive research environment. We are committed to removing barriers and fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and are empowered to succeed. We embrace equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The University of Geneva offers motivating employment conditions in a stimulating work environment. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as your personality and actively contribute to the reputation of an institution founded in 1559.

From a parity perspective, the University encourages applications from the underrepresented sex.