INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION

- Position: Research Assistant (RA)
- Researcher profile: Research Assistant
- Number of vacancies: 2
- Research group: Consciousness
- Project: Emotion Neurofeedback
- Funding source: La Caixa
- Location: Spain > Donostia-San Sebastián
- Research field: Cognitive Neuroscience
- Type of contract/Duration of Contract: Temporary, 3 year
- Job Status: Full-time
- Hours per week: 35
- Starting date: 1 January 2027
- Application deadline: 8 October 2026

Information about the project:

Previous research has identified neural signatures associated with conscious experience, but how these representations shape subjective experience—particularly emotional experience—remains poorly understood. This project will investigate how emotion-related neural representations can be decoded and experimentally modulated using functional neuroimaging and decoded neurofeedback .

We are recruiting two Research Assistants: one position will focus on an fMRI-based protocol and the other on an fNIRS-based approach. Both RAs will contribute to the development and implementation of neurofeedback procedures and will work closely together to compare and integrate approaches across the two neuroimaging modalities.

The project will examine how changes in brain representations during neurofeedback relate to changes in physiology and subjective emotional experience, with the broader aim of understanding how specific patterns of brain activity contribute to the construction and modulation of conscious emotional states. It combines methods from cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, machine learning and neurofeedback, providing an interdisciplinary research environment for candidates interested in the neural basis of emotion and consciousness.

Job description: We seek a highly motivated candidates with a background in Psychology/Computer Science/Engineering/Cognitive Neuroscience, with interests in human brain imaging and neurofeedback technologies. The RA will have the opportunity to contribute to all stages of the research, including experimental design, data collection, and the development of neurofeedback analysis pipelines

PI and research group:



The candidate will join the Consciousness research group (https://www.bcbl.eu/en/research/research-groups/consciousness) led by Prof. David Soto ([email protected]), who will be the main supervisor. We develop and test targeted neurocognitive interventions, including decoded neurofeedback, to shape conscious and non-conscious information processing in the human brain and promote adaptive changes in cognition, behaviour and subjective experience.

2. CANDIDATES’ PROFILE AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required skills:

- Training at the R1 / predoctoral level in Computer Science, Engineering, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or a related field.
- Demonstrable experience working with human neuroimaging or physiological data, with familiarity with data preprocessing and analysis. Experience with fMRI and/or fNIRS is highly relevant.
- Good programming skills in Python, including experience with scientific computing and data analysis.
- Familiarity with machine learning or multivariate data analysis.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary research team.
- Strong written and oral English communication skills.

Desirable skills:

- Previous experience applying machine learning, multivariate pattern analysis, or decoding methods to neuroimaging data.
- Experience with fMRI and/or fNIRS analysis, particularly multivariate or representational approaches.
- Experience developing or working with real-time data analysis pipelines or neurofeedback paradigms.
- Experience with experimental design, psychophysiological measures, or the assessment of subjective emotional experience.
- Strong interest in the neuroscience of consciousness, cognition, and emotion, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research.

Additional considerations (if any):

The candidate will be encouraged to apply for grants for PhD fellowships at national and international levels.

3.



WORKING CONDITIONS

Salary: 19.200€ gross per annum

https://www.bcbl.eu/en/join-us/what-is-like-to-work-bcbl

https://www.bcbl.eu/en/about-us

https://www.bcbl.eu/en/join-us/hr-strategy-hrs4r

https://www.bcbl.eu/en/join-us/otm-r

Training opportunities and Career development plan:

Opportunity to develop professionally in a multicultural, young and dynamic environment.

The necessary technical training for this position will be offered by the centre.

BCBL seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, sex, sexual orientation, age, sociocultural background, nationality or impairments. We are proud to have in place both an LGTBIQ+ Plan and a Gender Equality Plan to actively promote inclusion and equal opportunities. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us.

4. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Language policy:

- The corporative language at the centre is English.
- The center provides initial level Spanish and Basque lessons to all the international staff members
- The interview will be in English although the level of Spanish will be assessed at the interview.

5. APPLICATION PROCESS

To submit your application, applying for “Two RAs_Emotion_2026" and attach the following documentation: by October 8th, 2026:

- A curriculum vitae
- A statement outlining research interests and motivation to apply for the position
- Transcript of records for the master and bachelor degrees
- Two letters of recommendation (submitted by the referees no later than the application deadline)

Learn more about the BCBL’s OTM-R policy

Application process timetable:

- Deadline for application: 08/10/2026

- Evaluation by committee: 09/10/2026 - 16/10/2026

- Interviews: 21/10/2026 - 23/10/2026

- Final decision: 27/10/2026

- Feedback to all applicants: 30/10/2026

- Work contract start date: 31/12/2026

Contact details for enquiries:

For technical problems with the calls platform please contact: [email protected]

For inquiries or questions related to the content of the position and/or information about the project and the research group please contact: [email protected]

📌 Position : Research Assistant (RA) (España)
🏢 BCBL BASQUE CENTER ON COGNITION BRAIN AND LANGUAGE
📍 España