Postdoctoral Researcher in Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation and Cognition

Welcome to Maastricht University!
The  Brain Stimulation and Cognition Lab at Maastricht University specializes in non invasive brain stimulation (TMS, TES, TUS) combined with neuroimaging (fMRI, EEG) to study brain network dynamics underlying cognition. Our research spans from basic cognitive neuroscience, to methodological innovation in brain stimulation technology, to translational applications in psychiatry, neurology, and rehabilitation. We pioneered simultaneous TMS–fMRI–EEG during cognitive behaviour and have demonstrated and leveraged the brain state dependency of neuromodulation. You will work closely with Prof. Dr. Alexander Sack and the other members of the lab in a collaborative environment that values open science, methodological rigour, and strong mentorship. The lab actively supports postdoctoral researchers in developing their scientific profile and exploring new ideas that complement ongoing research.

The lab is embedded within the Department of Cognitive Neuroscience (CN) at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN). The department combines experimental skills with methodological development and theoretical or computational perspectives to investigate the neural correlates of cognitive processes at a range of spatial and temporal scales. CN provides a collegial and interdisciplinary environment with access to state of the art facilities and a diverse community of researchers working across perception, attention, memory, emotion, learning, language, and neurocognitive development.

What you do
This position focuses on the functional role of neural oscillations and the mechanism of oscillation-network-coupling in cognition and contributes to the ERC Advanced Grant project FLOW. FLOW investigates how oscillating body-brain states structure our cognition. The project combines non invasive brain stimulation (TMS/tACS), EEG, fMRI, and physiological recordings to test mechanistic models of oscillatory dynamics and neural network routing in attention, memory, and cognitive control.
You will contribute to the design and implementation of multimodal experiments and help integrate work across related PhD subprojects within FLOW. The position offers room for scientific independence while remaining closely aligned with the overarching aims of the project.

In this position, you will be responsible for:

• Designing and implementing experiments on oscillations and cognition
• Collecting and analysing multimodal data (TMS/tACS, EEG, fMRI, physiology) using appropriate statistical and computational methods
• Writing scientific publications and presenting findings at conferences
• Collaborating with PhD students and other researchers within the group and providing supervision of student projects where relevant
• Helping maintain a collaborative and supportive lab environment

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring
We are looking for a researcher with strong methodological skills and a clear interest in neural dynamics of cognition. You work independently, take responsibility for structured experimental workflows, and contribute constructively to a collaborative research environment.

The position requires the following qualifications:

• A completed PhD in a relevant field: A doctoral degree in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biomedical sciences, neuroimaging, neuromodulation, or a related discipline. Experience with neuroscience of cognition and/or translational clinical applications Demonstrated expertise in studying neural oscillations / neural network accounts of cognitive processes and/or having an interest in translating brain stimulation approaches to clinical applications.
• Experience with non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS/tACS): Hands on experience with stimulation methods in human participants, including experimental implementation.
• Experience with EEG and/or fMRI: Familiarity with acquisition and analysis of EEG, fMRI, or related neuroimaging methods; experience with multimodal combinations is considered an advantage.
• Experimental and analytical skills: Experience with experimental design, data collection, and data analysis using tools such as Python or MATLAB.
• Scientific writing and independence: Proven ability to independently design and execute studies and communicate findings in scientific writing (English).
• Supervision and collaboration: Experience supervising students or supporting junior researchers, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.

What we offer
As a Postdoctoral researcher at the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, you will be employed by the most international university of the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• A 12-month contract (1.0 FTE) with the prospect of a 2 year extension.
• A gross monthly salary between €3546,00 and €5538,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. 
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to work from home.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, Click here

About the Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience (FPN)
At FPN, we share a curiosity about the human brain and behaviour. Together with our students, we explore how our brains function and learn why we do what we do. We connect perspectives and contribute to living together in society.

Interested? 

Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Prof. Dr. Alexander Sack at  a.sack@maastrichtuniversity.nl. The end date of the publication is 17 May 2026.

Selected candidates will be invited for one or two interviews, expected to take place in May/June 2026. A reference check may be part of the selection procedure.

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.