Department of Economics

PhD Position in Computational Approaches to Affect in Social Decision Making 80 %

Start of employment from November 2024, or by agreement thereafter, temporary

The Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems Research (Group Leaders: E. Fehr, T. Hare, C. Ruff, P. Tobler) is a research center at the University of Zurich that investigates the principles underlying social and neuronal systems (Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems Research (SNS Lab)). The lab brings together scientists from the social and natural sciences (incl. neuroscience, economics, psychology, computer science, and physics) to study mechanistic links between neuronal circuits, human behavior and social interactions, using a combination of brain imaging methods, neuro-modulation techniques (brain stimulation and neuropharmacology), behavioral experiments and computational approaches. A single custom-built unit hosts multiple state-of-the-art facilities that are fully dedicated to research. These facilities include a Siemens Healthineers Magnetom Cima.X scanner as well as laboratories for transcranial magnetic and electric stimulation, psychophysics, behavioral group studies, peripheral and autonomic neurophysiology and pharmacology. Additionally, we have access to a 7T high-field human MRI facility.

Your responsibilities

The successful candidate will work with SNSF Ambizione Group Leader Dr. Marius Vollberg, Prof. Todd Hare, and other SNS Lab researchers on the computational principles of affect in social learning and decision making using cutting-edge, multi-method approaches with a focus on behavioral measures. More specifically, the candidate will be part of a research program investigating how we make sense of, learn from, and decide based on others' affective responses. Although the candidate's research is expected to gravitate around this project, there will also be time and resources dedicated to independent research on the topic. The candidate will thus have the opportunity to build on insights gained from the project and doctoral program to develop and pursue their own relevant ideas under expert supervision.

Your profile

Candidates should hold (or expect) a good master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, neuroscience, psychology) and ideally have had experience with physiological measures (e.g., eye-tracking). An interest in computational modelling of behavior and/or physiological data would be advantageous. Enthusiasm for scientific work and good scientific practice is essential. Candidates should speak and write English proficiently. Applications are welcome from overseas candidates as well as Swiss and EU nationals.

What we offer

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What we offer

Work-Life Balance
  • Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
  • Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH


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Learning and Development
  • Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
  • Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

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Food
  • Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
  • Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

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Healthcare
  • Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
  • Free seasonal flu vaccinations
  • Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

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Discounts
  • Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
  • Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
  • Special conditions on hotel reservations

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Conditions of Employment
  • Policies of the UZH
  • Most UZH staff are employed according to public law


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International Services
  • Support for people from outside Switzerland

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Campuses
  • Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
  • Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

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Location

Department of Economics

Blümlisalpstrasse 10, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland

Information on your application

The position is available from November 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter (negotiable) and for a duration of at least four years (yearly rolling renewal).
Applications should be sent electronically and include a CV (incl. full publication/conference presentation list, if any), link to master's thesis, copies of all relevant diplomas, a statement of interest, and the names and email addresses of two referees. Please send these materials to Marius Vollberg stating “PhD Affect” in the email subject line.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; the first review of applications will begin immediately.

Further information

Questions about the job

Dr. Marius Vollberg SNSF Ambizione Group Leader
Contact Form

Contact question to: Dr. Marius Vollberg

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Please apply via our job portal www.jobs.uzh.ch.

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