PhD Position: Neurocognition of Shyness and Social Anxiety in Development

Deadline : September 4, 2025
Maastricht University invites applications for a PhD position focused on the neurocognitive development of shyness and social anxiety, using EEG, fMRI, and behavioral methods.
Title PhD Position: Neurocognition of Shyness and Social Anxiety in Development
Organization/Publisher Maastricht University
Work Location Maastricht, Netherlands
Research Field Neuropsychology
Funding Info Not funded by a EU programme
Application Deadline 4 September 2025
Posted Date 8 August 2025
Country Netherlands
Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1)
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Required Qualification Master’s or Research Master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience or related field
Required Experience Experience or interest in EEG, fMRI, working with children/adolescents, programming (Python/MATLAB/E-Prime), scientific writing
Salary Details €3,059 – €3,881/month (full-time), with 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus; contract for 1 year + 3-year extension upon positive evaluation

Maastricht University is currently accepting applications for a fully funded PhD position within the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. The position focuses on understanding the neurocognition of shyness and social anxiety throughout developmental stages, using methods such as EEG, fMRI, and behavioral analyses. This opportunity is ideal for motivated candidates interested in how executive functions and attention processes shape socio-emotional development from childhood to adulthood.

The PhD candidate will become part of the Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience section and will work with state-of-the-art research tools, including access to EEG and fMRI labs. Responsibilities will include designing experiments, running studies across multiple age groups, analyzing data, writing scientific publications, and participating in limited teaching within the Master’s programme in Developmental Psychology.

Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in cognitive neuroscience or a closely related field and should ideally have some experience or interest in neuroimaging techniques, experimental psychology, or programming in Python, MATLAB, or E-Prime. A strong grasp of English is required, and willingness to learn Dutch for interacting with participants is encouraged.