Summary
The University of Groningen (UG) is inviting applications for a fully funded 4-year PhD candidate position in Neuroscience within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The research project focuses on understanding how large-scale neural population activity drives behavior across varied environments—from controlled laboratory assays to complex outdoor mouse enclosures—combining wireless miniature calcium imaging, automated deep-learning tracking, and computational neuroscience.
PhD Position in Systems & Behavioral Neuroscience at University of Groningen
Designation
- PhD Candidate / PhD Researcher (Promovendus)
Overview & Key Details
| Parameter | Details |
| Position Title | PhD Position Neuroscience |
| Host Institution | University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) |
| Faculty / Department | Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) |
| Employment Type | Full-time (1.0 FTE, 38 hours/week) |
| Duration | 4 years (1 year initial + 3 years extension upon positive evaluation) |
| Salary Range | €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month (CAO Dutch Universities) |
| Application Deadline | 18 September 2026, 23:59 (Dutch local time) |
Research Area
- Field: Neuroscience / Behavioral Neuroscience / Systems & Computational Neuroscience
- Key Topics & Methodologies:
- Miniature calcium imaging in freely behaving rodents
- Deep-learning-based behavioral tracking (e.g., DeepLabCut, SLEAP) and RFID tracking
- Computational analysis of large-scale neural population dynamics
- Stereotaxic surgery, histology, and pharmacological manipulations
- Behavioral analysis in naturalistic, large-scale outdoor enclosures
Location
- City: Groningen, Netherlands
- Institution: Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen
Eligibility / Qualification
- Educational Background: Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a closely related discipline (candidates nearing completion with university certification are also welcome to apply).
- Research Affinity: Strong motivation and demonstrated affinity for neural circuits, rodent behavior, and quantitative/computational approaches.
- Laboratory Experience: Experience in animal experimentation. Holding an Article 9 license (FELASA accreditation) or prior hands-on rodent experimentation experience is preferred.
- Technical Skills: Experience with or strong motivation to learn Python or MATLAB, along with exposure to neural/behavioral data analysis and deep-learning toolkits.
- Language Proficiency: Excellent command of written and spoken English (native speakers, graduates from English-taught degree programs, or Dutch HAVO/VWO diploma holders are exempt).
Scholarship & Employment Description
- Monthly Remuneration: €3,204 (Year 1) progressing up to €4,051 gross per month in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).
- Allowances & Bonuses: 8% annual holiday allowance plus an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
- Leave Entitlement: 232 vacation hours per year (based on a 38-hour full-time workweek) with flexible workweek options.
- Graduate School Enrollment: Full enrollment in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering (GSSE), providing structured PhD training, career mentoring, and professional development courses.
- Contract Terms: 48-month appointment (initial 1-year contract extended by 3 additional years upon successful first-year progress assessment).
How to Apply
- Prepare your application dossier (CV, motivation letter, academic transcripts, and contact details of academic references).
- Submit your application online via the official University of Groningen recruitment portal:
- Application Portal: University of Groningen Application System
- Official Vacancy Page: RUG Neuroscience PhD Vacancy (Ref #2368)
Last Date for Apply
- 18 September 2026 (at 23:59 Dutch Local Time / CEST)
