Dear all,
I have a PhD (and soon 2 postdocs) opening in my lab at CIMeC, University of Trento in Italy, as part of an Italian FIS3 starting grant. The project will use advanced analysis methods of MEG data (e.g., dynamic RSA [1,2]) to investigate if and how the naturalistic hierarchical structure present in our world facilitates predictive processing in the brain. Note that our centre has recently acquired a brand new MEGIN - MEG scanner that is already producing some very clean data!
The candidate will join an experienced and collaborative double-lab team (led by 2 PIs with FIS grants) with strong expertise in predictive processing in naturalistic dynamic input using M/EEG. We hold weekly lab meetings, biweekly journal clubs and biweekly M/EEG user meetings.
Besides this vibrant research environment, Trentino is an area filled with natural beauty with lots of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, swimming in lakes and skiing. Additionally, you are only a train ride away from cultural cities such as Verona, Venice, Milano or Bologna.
Applicants should have a MSc degree (or equivalent), ideally in cognitive neuroscience with experience in neuroimaging (M/EEG or fMRI, MVPA/RSA), strong programming skills (e.g., Matlab or Python) and solid background in empirical methods and statistics. Candidates with a related background with strong computational skills (psychology, computer science/engineering, math, etc.) are also encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate also has very good English skills, a high level of motivation, reliability, independence, and enthusiasm to work in a team.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the PI for further details (ingmar.devries@unitn.it).
Relevant recent papers from the lab:
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De Vries, I.E.J., Wurm, M.F. (2023) Predictive neural representations of naturalistic dynamic input. Nat Commun 14, 3858
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De Vries, I.E.J., De Lange, F.P., Wurm, M.F. (2025) Hierarchical priors enable neural prediction of perceived biological motion. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.10.09.681210
See below for practical information on how to apply, and more on the centre and university:
Details on the admissions process, link to call: https://phd.unitn.it/drcimec/116/admission-doctorate-cognitive-and-brain-sciences
Link to apply: https://webapps.unitn.it/Apply/it/Web/Home/dott
Application summary: https://phd.unitn.it/drcimec/118/application-summary-and-process
Deadline: Thursday May 7, 2026, at 4pm (Italian time)
About CIMeC: https://www.cimec.unitn.it/en
For other PhD openings at CIMeC see: http://phd.unitn.it/drcimec/research-topics, and: https://phd.unitn.it/drcimec/topic-specific-grants
The CIMeC, it’s doctoral program and UNITN in numbers:
* UNITN ranks as a top Italian University
* 4-yr program (Nov. 1, 2026 - Oct. 31, 2030)
* English
* Salary: Net €1.600 per month
* Winners receive €8700 tax-free research/mobility budget