PhD Position on ‘The Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Repetitive Negative Thoughts’
Immigration Policy Lab
Zürich, Switzerland
PhD Position on ‘The Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Repetitive Negative Thoughts’
100%, Zurich, fixed-term
A World-Class Research Environment at the Intersection of Neuroscience and Technology
The Neural Control of Movement Lab led by Prof. Dr. Nicole Wenderoth and Brain-Body Regulation Lab led by Prof. Dr. Sarah Meissner at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) of ETH Zurich invites exceptional candidates to apply for a PhD position to investigate The Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Repetitive Negative Thoughts.The NCM Lab focuses on understanding how the brain controls behaviour and on developing non-invasive interfaces to modulate brain function during wake and sleep. The BBR Lab investigates the mechanisms underpinning brain arousal and its interactions with other bodily systems. Together, the labs deploy state-of-the-art neuroimaging and biofeedback techniques, with a shared commitment to translating fundamental neuroscience insights into clinical and consumer applications. The NCM and BBR Labs are part of D-HEST, which is ETH Zurich's department dedicated to advancing the science and technology of human health, uniting researchers across neuroscience, biomedical engineering, movement science, nutrition, and medicine to address pressing challenges across the full spectrum of human biology. D-HEST emphasises interdisciplinarity, translation, and technological innovation with the aim of improving quality of life. Situated in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland, the department offers a stimulating environment at the nexus of world-class basic research and clinical application, with strong ties to leading industry partners.
Project background
Repetitive negative thoughts (RNT) are persistent, intrusive, and maladaptive thought patterns that are central to depression and anxiety. Despite their clinical importance, the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying RNT remain poorly understood.
This project tests the novel hypothesis that RNT arises from reduced sensitivity to environmental change manifested as impaired adaptation of learning to environmental volatility, driven by abnormal noradrenergic signaling. In close collaboration with the University of Oxford, we combine cutting-edge computational modeling of human behavior with pupillometry and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to address this question.
Job description
The successful candidate will design and conduct human experiments that modulate noradrenergic activity using a pupil-based self-regulation approach developed in our lab (Meissner et al., Nature Human Behaviour, 2024), while measuring RNT, behavior, and brain activity using fMRI.
Your work will include:
- Design and implement sophisticated experimental paradigms in human participants
- Acquire multimodal data in human participants, including pupillometry, behavioral measures, and fMRI
- Integrate real-time pupil-based self-regulation into adaptive learning cognitive tasks (Python/MATLAB)
- Apply computational models of behavior and cognition
- Analyze high-dimensional datasets (behavioral, physiological, neuroimaging)
- Publish in leading international journals and present at top-tier conferences
This interdisciplinary project uniquely combines computational neuroscience, experimental psychology, physiology, and neuroimaging, offering a rare opportunity to work at the interface of multiple cutting-edge methodologies. Hands-on experimental work will be a central and substantial component of the position.
Profile
We are looking for a candidate with:
- A Master’s degree (or near completion) in human neuroscience, neurophysiology, experimental psychology, biomedical engineering, health sciences and technology, or a related field
- Experience with—and enthusiasm for—data collection in human participants
- Strong programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python) and interest in computational approaches
- Experience with analyzing electrophysiological data and/or fMRI data
- A solid understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis
- Experience in scientific writing
- A high level of independence, initiative, and problem-solving ability
- Excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to scientific excellence
- Intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research
- Fluency in English; German language skills are a plus
Workplace
Workplace
We offer
A fully funded PhD position (~4 years) in an excellent scientific and social environment at a world-leading university (see below). The project combines experimental lab work with computational data analysis and offers an outstanding opportunity to develop a comprehensive scientific skill set.
We value diversity and sustainability
Curious? So are we.
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae including educational history, full list of publications, awards, etc.
- Research motivation statement of max. two A4 pages covering your interests, goals, experiences, and how they would relate to and fit in with proposed research domain and activities
- Diplomas
- Names, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers of at least two references, mentioning the professional relationship
For further information about the Neural Control of Movement Lab, please visit our website. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Weronika Potok-Szybińska (weronika.potok@hest.ethz.ch) or Prof Nicole Wenderoth (nicole.wenderoth@hest.ethz.ch) (no applications).
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.