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PhD position
At the Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, there is a PhD position available for a fixed-term period of 4 years, of which 75% will be dedicated to research and 25% will be dedicated to teaching. The position is scheduled to start 1 November 2023 and is part of the project “The illusion of empty blind zones: How things may seem to appear out of nowhere in magic shows and road accidents” (BLINDZONES), funded by the Research Council of Norway and the University of Bergen.
About the research project:
The primary aim of the BLINDZONES project is to determine the mechanisms underlying a recently discovered perceptual illusion, which in addition to challenging basic assumptions in traditional vision science may also contribute to traffic accidents. The illusion consists of a compelling and immediate experience that the blind zone behind an object is empty. We aim to develop a basic scientific understanding of this anomalous phenomenon and to clarify its implications for basic vision theory. In particular, we aim to determine the heuristic principles employed by the underlying visual mechanisms and to identify potential neural correlates of these mechanisms. We also aim to determine the potential role of the illusion in traffic accidents. Based on this research, we also aim to answer the question of what countermeasures are most effective for reducing the risk of accidents associated with blind zones. The project group is organized as a consortium of researchers from University of Bergen, international partners from the University of Leuven, Radboud University, and the University of Wrocław, as well as national partners from the Institute of Transport Economics.
More information about the research project is available on .
About the position/work tasks:
The main task of the PhD candidate is to plan, conduct, analyze and publish the results of behavioral experiments investigating the illusion of empty blind zones using virtual reality (VR). Ideally, we are looking for a candidate who is also interested in being involved in the programming of the VR experiments to some extent. The appointed person will join the Bergen Laboratory for the Study of Decision, Intuition, Consciousness, and Emotion (DICE-lab) at the Department for Psychosocial Science. The main supervisor will be professor Vebjørn Ekroll. We aim to offer the candidate opportunities for brief research stays in the labs of Rob van Lier (Radboud University, the Netherlands) and/or Johan Wagemans (KU Leuven, Belgium).
Qualifications and personal qualities:
- The applicant must at the time of application hold a master's degree or equivalent in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field, including optometry, physics and engineering.
- For admission to the doctoral program, grade B or above is normally required for the master’s thesis.
- Experience with behavioral research is a requirement.
- Experience with statistical methods/analyses will be an advantage.
- Knowledge and/or experience with experimental set-ups using VR, eye tracking or EEG will be an advantage. A background or interest in perceptual psychology/vision science and experience with (or interest in learning) computer programming (Unity/virtual reality) will also be considered as advantages.
- Ability to work independently and in a structured manner and demonstrate good collaborating skills.
- Proficiency in both written and oral English.
- Personal and relational qualities will be emphasized. Ambitions and potential will count when evaluating the candidates.
About the PhD position:
The duration of the PhD position is 4 years, of which 25 per cent of the time each year comprises required duties associated with research, teaching and dissemination of results.
The PhD position is a fixed term position. You cannot be employed in a PhD position for more than one fixed term position at the same institution. Applicants cannot already have a doctoral degree/PhD.
About the PhD programme:As a PhD Candidate, you must participate in an approved educational program for a PhD degree within a period of 3 years. When your qualification for the position is evaluated, you will also be evaluated for admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Psychology.
You will find further information about the PhD programme at the Faculty of Psychology
We can offer:
- Exciting development opportunities as part of your role in a strong professional environment
- An annual salary of NOK 532 200 before taxes (position code 1017) in the state salary scale. Further increase in salary will depend on seniority in the position.
- Enrolment in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
- Good
Your application must include:
- A cover letter including a brief account of your research interests and motivation for applying for the position.
- The names and contact information for two reference persons. One of these must be the main supervisor for the master's thesis or equivalent thesis.
- CV.
- Transcripts and diplomas (all higher education).
- Relevant certificates.
- A list of academic publications.
- Academic publications in your name that you want to submit for assessment (including your master’s thesis or the equivalent).
- Applicants with foreign education must enclose certified translations to English or Scandinavian if the original Diploma and grade transcripts are not already in one of these languages. The applicants must also enclose a confirmation from NOKUT that the education is recognized to be in accordance with the Norwegian master’s degree. The review from NOKUT may take some time and the application should be sent to NOKUT as soon as you have decided to apply for the position. If there is no answer within the application deadline, please enclose documentation from NOKUT that they have received your application. Some qualifications from the Nordic countries are automatically recognized, please check .
Please note that applications, along with the information and attachments linked to the application in JobbNorge, will be evaluated after the closing date for applications. Attachments must be in English or a Scandinavian language, and any translations must be certified. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all the necessary information has been submitted by the closing date for applications.
It is particularly important that each of the attachments that the applicant wants to have considered in the application must be uploaded in its entirety as attachments to the application.
General information:
Detailed information about the position can be obtained by contacting:
The state labour force shall reflect the diversity of Norwegian society to the greatest extent possible. People with immigrant backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply for the position.
The University of Bergen applies the principle of public access to information when recruiting staff for academic positions.
Information about applicants may be made public even if the applicant has asked not to be named on the list of persons who have applied. The applicant must be notified if the request to be omitted is not met.
The successful applicant must comply with the guidelines that apply to the position at all times.
For further information about the recruitment process, click .
Life as a PhD candidate at UiB
Marion Claireaux tells about life and work as a PhD candidate at UiB.