PhD Candidate on the Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Repetitive Negative Thoughts / PhD Candidate on the Neurocognitive Mechanisms of Repetitive Negative Thoughts

PhD Position: 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 the Brain-Body Regulation Lab, led by Prof. Dr. Sarah Meissner, at the Department of Health Sciences and Technology (D-HEST) of ETH Zurich invite exceptional candidates for a PhD position to investigate the neurocognitive mechanisms of repetitive negative thoughts. The NCM Lab focuses on understanding how the brain controls behavior and 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 employ state-of-the-art neuroimaging and biofeedback techniques, committed to translating fundamental neuroscience insights into clinical and consumer applications. D-HEST, ETH Zurich's department dedicated to advancing the science and technology of human health, emphasizes interdisciplinarity, translation, and technological innovation to improve quality of life. Located in the heart of Zurich, Switzerland, the department offers a stimulating environment at the intersection 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 central to depression and anxiety. Despite their clinical significance, 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 collaboration with the University of Oxford, we combine cutting-edge computational modeling of human behavior with pupillometry and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate this phenomenon.

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:

• Designing and implementing sophisticated experimental paradigms in human participants
• Acquiring multimodal data in human participants, including pupillometry, behavioral measures, and fMRI
• Integrating real-time pupil-based self-regulation into adaptive learning cognitive tasks (Python/MATLAB)
• Applying computational models of behavior and cognition
• Analyzing high-dimensional datasets (behavioral, physiological, neuroimaging)
• Publishing in leading international journals and presenting at top-tier conferences

This interdisciplinary project uniquely combines computational neuroscience, experimental psychology, physiology, and neuroimaging, offering a rare opportunity to engage with multiple cutting-edge methodologies. Hands-on experimental work will be a central and substantial component of this 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

The workplace will be at ETH Zurich, a world-leading university renowned for its commitment to excellent research. You will be part of an environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.

We Offer

A fully funded PhD position (~4 years) in an excellent scientific and social environment at a world-leading university. The project combines experimental lab work with computational data analysis, offering an outstanding opportunity to develop a comprehensive scientific skill set.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich promotes an inclusive culture, encouraging equality of opportunity while valuing diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment that respects the rights and dignity of all staff and students. Sustainability is a core value for us, and we are consistently working towards a climate-neutral future.

Apply Online

If you are curious and excited about this opportunity, we invite you to apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.