PhD position in Cognitive Neuroscience The Brainlab – Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group (University of Barcelona) invites applications for a 3+1 year PhD contract commencing in Spring 2027.

The candidate will join the project “Interindividual variability in the Sense of Agency: contributing factors, underlying neurobiology, and measurement tools (VariSoA)”. Principal Investigators: Dr. Iria SanMiguel and Dr.

Marc Via

The sense of agency (SoA) -the experience of causing one's actions and their effects- shows pronounced alterations in clinical conditions, yet non-clinical variability due to interpersonal differences such as sensorimotor expertise or degree of bodily self-awareness remains comparatively under-characterized. This project fuses the motor-sensory interactions and neurogenetics research lines of the Brainlab to deliver a focused first step to address that gap within the auditory domain (our group's core expertise) by (i) quantifying individual-level modulation of SoA associated to sensorimotor expertise and other factors, (ii) integrating genetic and epigenetic factors as core contributors to individual differences, (iii) mapping latent SoA subprocesses that may be independent sources of interindividual variability and their neuroanatomy by testing causal circuit contributions with non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), (iv)



evaluating transferability across classic SoA measures and their modulation within individuals, and (v) exploring biomarkers of NIBS responsiveness relevant to future clinical interventions. The longer-term vision is a validated, shareable SoA assessment tool informed by reliable behavioral, neural, and biological markers.

We are seeking for a talented and highly motivated graduate in any field related to Neuroscience (Psychology, Cognitive Sciences, Computer Sciences, Medicine, Biology, Engineering, Physics)

Requirements: 1) EU citizenship or work and residence permit in Spain

2) 300 ECTS completed (at least 60 ECTS in a Master degree)

3) highest academic marks,

3) programming skills (e.g., Matlab, Python, R)

4) experience in EEG and NIBS are a plus

Candidates will have the opportunity to enter the PhD Program in Biomedicine (area of Neurosciences) or the PhD Program in Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, and will be fully integrated in the scientific activities of the Brainlab and the María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence Institute of Neurosciences at the University of Barcelona.

Applicants should send 1) motivation letter, 2) CV, 3) a copy of the academic marks record (in ECTS format) and any recommendation letters to [email protected] [subject: PhD VariSoA position]. The preselection phase will take place during September-October 2026 and the formal call for applications will take place in November-December.

📌 Doctoral Student (Barcelona)
🏢 Universitat De Barcelona
📍 Barcelona