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Postdoctoral Researcher on Computational Modelling of Emotional Memory Binding

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14226
  • PhD
  • €4.537 - €6.209
  • 30 - 38 hours
  • Closes on
    20-08-2025
Apply

Postdoctoral Researcher on Computational Modelling of Emotional Memory Binding

  • Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences
  • 14226
  • PhD
  • €4.537 - €6.209
  • 30 - 38 hours
  • Closes on
    20-08-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Your project: from emotional events to life stories

 

The flexible nature of memory allows us to distinguish specific events, and at the same time extract their commonalities, leading to the formation of coherent narratives that span hours, days, and even years. Such memory networks shape how we see ourselves and the world, and they guide our behaviour. While we know a lot about the processing of single events on the one hand, and autobiographical memory on the other, we do not have a research framework that connects the two phenomena, preventing a comprehensive understanding of one of the most fundamental human experiences. Such a framework is also key to understanding persistent mental health problems and could direct science-driven treatment innovation. This project is part of an NWO-funded (Vidi) project led by Dr Renée Visser that aims to develop a new framework, connecting neuroscientific approaches that use sophisticated techniques to delineate fundamental mechanisms of memory (trans)formation with traditions favouring more holistic approaches to understanding human cognition and mental health.

 

In this specific project, we will first develop a formal model describing cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the development of episodic memory networks over longer time scales and under the influence of emotions, for example by extending an existing model for event cognition by Franklin et al.1. The core neural mechanisms of this model are already functional and do not require significant modification. The focus of this position will be on enriching the model’s symbolic representation layer, with parameters to represent emotional states and their influence on event segmentation and memory, as well as extend the model’s temporal reasoning capabilities to handle events over longer timescales. The post doc has a lot of freedom to decide on an approach, or even suggest an alternative model as starting point, as long as it is informed by (neuro)cognitive theories of event segmentation and episodic memory.

 

In addition to the model development, we will conduct empirical studies to delineate cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the development of memory networks across long time scales, by adjusting a neuroimaging paradigm that respects the richness of emotional episodic memory, e.g.2, and combining this with longitudinal functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

 

  1. Franklin, N. T., Norman, K. A., Ranganath, C., Zacks, J. M., & Gershman, S. J. (2020). Structured Event Memory: A Neuro-Symbolic Model of Event Cognition. Psychological Review, 127(3), 327–361.
  2. Cohn-Sheehy, B. I., Delarazan, A. I., Reagh, Z. M., Crivelli-Decker, J. E., Kim, K., Barnett, A. J., ... & Ranganath, C. (2021). The hippocampus constructs narrative memories across distant events. Current Biology, 31(22), 4935-4945.

 

Working at the UvA

Your project: from emotional events to life stories

 

The flexible nature of memory allows us to distinguish specific events, and at the same time extract their commonalities, leading to the formation of coherent narratives that span hours, days, and even years. Such memory networks shape how we see ourselves and the world, and they guide our behaviour. While we know a lot about the processing of single events on the one hand, and autobiographical memory on the other, we do not have a research framework that connects the two phenomena, preventing a comprehensive understanding of one of the most fundamental human experiences. Such a framework is also key to understanding persistent mental health problems and could direct science-driven treatment innovation. This project is part of an NWO-funded (Vidi) project led by Dr Renée Visser that aims to develop a new framework, connecting neuroscientific approaches that use sophisticated techniques to delineate fundamental mechanisms of memory (trans)formation with traditions favouring more holistic approaches to understanding human cognition and mental health.

 

In this specific project, we will first develop a formal model describing cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the development of episodic memory networks over longer time scales and under the influence of emotions, for example by extending an existing model for event cognition by Franklin et al.1. The core neural mechanisms of this model are already functional and do not require significant modification. The focus of this position will be on enriching the model’s symbolic representation layer, with parameters to represent emotional states and their influence on event segmentation and memory, as well as extend the model’s temporal reasoning capabilities to handle events over longer timescales. The post doc has a lot of freedom to decide on an approach, or even suggest an alternative model as starting point, as long as it is informed by (neuro)cognitive theories of event segmentation and episodic memory.

 

In addition to the model development, we will conduct empirical studies to delineate cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying the development of memory networks across long time scales, by adjusting a neuroimaging paradigm that respects the richness of emotional episodic memory, e.g.2, and combining this with longitudinal functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).

 

  1. Franklin, N. T., Norman, K. A., Ranganath, C., Zacks, J. M., & Gershman, S. J. (2020). Structured Event Memory: A Neuro-Symbolic Model of Event Cognition. Psychological Review, 127(3), 327–361.
  2. Cohn-Sheehy, B. I., Delarazan, A. I., Reagh, Z. M., Crivelli-Decker, J. E., Kim, K., Barnett, A. J., ... & Ranganath, C. (2021). The hippocampus constructs narrative memories across distant events. Current Biology, 31(22), 4935-4945.

 

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

 

  • Conduct a comprehensive review and synthesis of literature on the cognitive neuroscience of (emotional) episodic memory processing (event separation and memory integration);
  • Develop a formal model for (emotional) memory binding over time which can inform predictions for the empirical studies in the wider project;
  • Together with a PhD-student, set-up and run a neuroimaging study involving multiple sessions spanning several weeks;
  • Analyse BOLD-MRI data using representational similarity analysis or similar techniques;
  • Disseminate findings through empirical papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at (inter)national conferences and/or for collaborators;
  • Contribute to teaching (0.15-0.2 FTE) in the Clinical psychology program, including research project supervision and teaching of research skills.

 

What do you have to offer

For this position, it is essential that you:

  • Have a PhD in computational cognitive neuroscience or closely related field. The degree must be obtained/approved before November 2025;
  • Are proficient in spoken and written English;
  • Have a record (appropriate to career stage) of international peer-reviewed publications that demonstrates experience with modelling neurocognitive processes;
  • Are committed to open science practices (e.g., preregistration, data sharing).

 

In addition, you satisfy some (nobody fits all of the criteria) of the requirements listed below:

  • Hands-on experience with neuroimaging research, preferably functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, including experimental design, data acquisition, preprocessing, and analysis;
  • A solid background in cognitive modelling. Familiarity with hybrid modelling frameworks is a plus;
  • Experience or affinity with experimental psychopathology research and affective neuroscience;
  • Excellent programming skills, preferably R or Python;
  • Ability to stay focused and organised, even when juggling multiple tasks;
  • Ability to work in a team, as well as independently, and being open to feedback;
  • Experience or affinity with teaching.

 

 

What do we offer you

 

We offer a temporary position of 38 hours a week for a term of 2.5-3.5 years, depending on teaching load (to be negotiated) and salary scale. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended. The preferred starting date is October or November 2025.

 

You will be supervised by a supportive, engaged, and enthusiastic team that values initiative and input. You will have regular meetings with the principal investigator and occasional meetings with collaborators, depending on the stage of the project. In addition, the University of Amsterdam offers excellent possibilities for professional development and education, in an inspiring and international working environment located in the heart of Amsterdam. There is a designated budget for organizing and attending national and international symposia and conferences.

 

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

 

  • Conduct a comprehensive review and synthesis of literature on the cognitive neuroscience of (emotional) episodic memory processing (event separation and memory integration);
  • Develop a formal model for (emotional) memory binding over time which can inform predictions for the empirical studies in the wider project;
  • Together with a PhD-student, set-up and run a neuroimaging study involving multiple sessions spanning several weeks;
  • Analyse BOLD-MRI data using representational similarity analysis or similar techniques;
  • Disseminate findings through empirical papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at (inter)national conferences and/or for collaborators;
  • Contribute to teaching (0.15-0.2 FTE) in the Clinical psychology program, including research project supervision and teaching of research skills.

 

What do you have to offer

For this position, it is essential that you:

  • Have a PhD in computational cognitive neuroscience or closely related field. The degree must be obtained/approved before November 2025;
  • Are proficient in spoken and written English;
  • Have a record (appropriate to career stage) of international peer-reviewed publications that demonstrates experience with modelling neurocognitive processes;
  • Are committed to open science practices (e.g., preregistration, data sharing).

 

In addition, you satisfy some (nobody fits all of the criteria) of the requirements listed below:

  • Hands-on experience with neuroimaging research, preferably functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, including experimental design, data acquisition, preprocessing, and analysis;
  • A solid background in cognitive modelling. Familiarity with hybrid modelling frameworks is a plus;
  • Experience or affinity with experimental psychopathology research and affective neuroscience;
  • Excellent programming skills, preferably R or Python;
  • Ability to stay focused and organised, even when juggling multiple tasks;
  • Ability to work in a team, as well as independently, and being open to feedback;
  • Experience or affinity with teaching.

 

 

What do we offer you

 

We offer a temporary position of 38 hours a week for a term of 2.5-3.5 years, depending on teaching load (to be negotiated) and salary scale. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended. The preferred starting date is October or November 2025.

 

You will be supervised by a supportive, engaged, and enthusiastic team that values initiative and input. You will have regular meetings with the principal investigator and occasional meetings with collaborators, depending on the stage of the project. In addition, the University of Amsterdam offers excellent possibilities for professional development and education, in an inspiring and international working environment located in the heart of Amsterdam. There is a designated budget for organizing and attending national and international symposia and conferences.

 

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will work

 

You will be based at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, in the Clinical Psychology program group, and you will be a member of the Amsterdam Emotional Memory lab. The lab addresses fundamental questions about memory malleability, investigates mechanisms of change in the treatment of mental disorders, and contributes to treatment innovation. You will be supervised by Dr Renée Visser (PI) and collaborate with other group members, as well as people in the wider department (Psychological Methods, Brain and Cognition).

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This is where you will work

 

You will be based at the Department of Psychology at the University of Amsterdam, in the Clinical Psychology program group, and you will be a member of the Amsterdam Emotional Memory lab. The lab addresses fundamental questions about memory malleability, investigates mechanisms of change in the treatment of mental disorders, and contributes to treatment innovation. You will be supervised by Dr Renée Visser (PI) and collaborate with other group members, as well as people in the wider department (Psychological Methods, Brain and Cognition).

About the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) is the largest educational and research institution in the field of social and behavioural sciences in Europe. Here, we explore societal and human-centered issues, driven by scientific curiosity but also with an eye for current themes. For example, the impact of media and communication on individuals and society, healthcare challenges, global urbanization, human development, the role of political institutions, understanding the human mind, growing inequality, diversity issues, and changing social relationships.
In Europe and beyond, the FMG holds a leading position, thanks in part to its more than 1,300 staff members who contribute to education and research. Will you be one of them?
Read more about the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application by August 20th, 2025. Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages, no photo). Please include a list of education and academic qualifications, earlier positions, research and teaching experience, a list of (most relevant) journal publications, preprints and conference presentations, and links to other research output such as code repositories and datasets;
  • a letter, describing your motivation and some provisional ideas about the direction you would like to go in the research, and how your skills match our requirements (max 2 pages).
  • The names and contact details of at least two referees (preferably including your PhD supervisor), including email addresses and phone numbers. No letter of recommendation at this stage.

 

Please combine all documents into a single PDF file and name it using the following format: LastName_FirstName_Vidi_PostDoc.pdf

 

Please note that applicants from outside the European Union must meet the requirements of the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act.

 

Interviews will likely take place August 29th, with the PhD position preferably starting October or November 2025 (with room for negotiation). If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Dr Renée Visser, [email protected].

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Read more

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in this profile and are interested in the role, we look forward to receiving your application by August 20th, 2025. Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages, no photo). Please include a list of education and academic qualifications, earlier positions, research and teaching experience, a list of (most relevant) journal publications, preprints and conference presentations, and links to other research output such as code repositories and datasets;
  • a letter, describing your motivation and some provisional ideas about the direction you would like to go in the research, and how your skills match our requirements (max 2 pages).
  • The names and contact details of at least two referees (preferably including your PhD supervisor), including email addresses and phone numbers. No letter of recommendation at this stage.

 

Please combine all documents into a single PDF file and name it using the following format: LastName_FirstName_Vidi_PostDoc.pdf

 

Please note that applicants from outside the European Union must meet the requirements of the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act.

 

Interviews will likely take place August 29th, with the PhD position preferably starting October or November 2025 (with room for negotiation). If you have questions regarding this position, please contact Dr Renée Visser, [email protected].

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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