PhD Position in Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience – University of Groningen, Netherlands

Summary

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen (UG) is offering a fully funded 4-year PhD position in Neuroscience. The project investigates how neural population activity drives behavior across various contexts, ranging from controlled laboratory environments to large, naturalistic outdoor enclosures. The successful candidate will utilize miniature calcium imaging, deep-learning behavioral tracking, RFID monitoring, and pharmacological manipulations in freely behaving mice.

PhD Position in Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience – University of Groningen

Designation

• Position: PhD Candidate (Promovendus)
• Employment Type: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 38–40 hours/week)
• Contract Duration: 4 years (1-year initial contract with extension to 4 years upon positive evaluation)

Key Information Table

Research Area

• Field: Behavioral & Systems Neuroscience, Computational Biology, Neuroethology
• Core Methodologies:
  • Wireless miniature calcium imaging (miniscope)
  • Deep-learning-based automated pose/behavioral tracking (e.g., DeepLabCut, SLEAP)
  • RFID tracking and multi-camera recordings in large outdoor enclosures
  • Computational population neural dynamics & analysis
  • Stereotaxic surgery, pharmacology, and histology

Location

• City: Groningen, The Netherlands
• Institute: Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen.

Eligibility / Qualification Criteria

• Academic Background: Master’s degree (MSc) in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline (candidates nearing completion with an official degree statement are eligible).
• Research Skills: Strong affinity for neural circuits, rodent behavior, and quantitative/computational approaches.
• Animal Work: Prior experience with animal experimentation; possession of an Article 9 license (FELASA accreditation) is an advantage.
• Computational Skills: Experience with, or strong motivation to learn, Python or MATLAB, along with experience in neural/behavioral data analysis.
• Language Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English (exemptions apply to native speakers or those with degree programs fully taught in English; others must supply accepted English test scores).

Scholarship / Position Description & Benefits

• Monthly Salary: Fully funded according to the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU), starting at €3,204 in year one and scaling up to €4,051 gross per month in the fourth year.
• Benefits Package:
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% annual year-end bonus.
  • 232 vacation hours/year (expandable based on flexible working hours).
  • Enrolment in the structured Graduate School of Science and Engineering PhD training program.
  • Access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, including the Hábrók high-performance computing cluster and specialized outdoor rodent facilities.
• Supervision Team: Shared supervision by Dr. Suzanne van der Veldt, Dr. Sanne Moorman, and Dr. Jocelien Olivier.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the official University of Groningen job portal.

Required Application Documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover / Motivation Letter
3. Academic transcripts and degree certificates (BSc and MSc)
4. Contact information for two academic referees

• Application Portal: Apply on the Official RUG Vacancy Page
• Inquiries:
  • Project Content: Dr. Suzanne van der Veldt (s.c.w.van.der.veldt@rug.nl)
  • Application Process: Diane ten Have (D.ten.Have@rug.nl)

Last Date for Apply

• 18 September 2026, 23:59 (Dutch Local Time / CEST)

Link