Research Assistant (RA) of a research group

• INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION

• Position: Research Assistant (RA) of a research group

• Number of vacancies: 1
• Research groups: Consciousness
• Project: Decoded Neurofeeback
• Founding source: The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness: project PID2023-149267NB-I00.
• Location: Spain > Donostia-San Sebastián
• Research field: Cognitive Neuroscience
• Type of contract/Duration of Contract: Temporary, 2 year
• Job Status: Full-time
• Hours per week: 35
• Starting date: 01/09/2026
• Application deadline: 30/06/2026

Information about the project

While existing theories link consciousness to specific neural signatures, the possibility of directly shaping conscious experience through targeted brain activity patterns remains underexplored. This project addresses this gap by using decoded neurofeedback (DecNef) and brain imaging technologies to investigate how conscious states can be identified, decoded, and modulated across perceptual and emotional domains. We will combine real-time neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI/fNIRS/EEG), machine learning, and subjective reports to map neural representations associated with different forms of conscious experience. By training participants to bias brain activity toward specific representational states, the project will test whether experimentally altering neural patterns can produce measurable changes in conscious perception, emotion, and subjective awareness.

Job description

We seek a highly motivated candidate with a background in Computer Science/Engineering/Cognitive Neuroscience, with interests in human brain imaging and neurofeedback technologies. The RA will be involved in all steps of the research: experimental design, data collection, development of neurofeedback analysis pipelines.

PI and research groups:

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 brain and promote adaptive changes in cognition and behaviour.

• CANDIDATE PROFILE AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Required skills:

• Background in Computer Science/Engineering/Cognitive Neuroscience (First Stage Researcher (R1- up to the point of PhD).
• Previous (demonstrable) experience in human neuroimaging data analyses (e.g. fMRI, fNIRS, EEG).
• Neuroimaging experience including signal pre-processing and analysis.
• Machine learning knowledge.
• Python programming.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

Desirable skills:

• Machine learning experience directly applied to neuroimaging signals.
• Experience in real time analysis pipelines and neurofeedback.

Additional considerations

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

• WORKING CONDITIONS

Salary: 19.200€ gross per annum

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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.

• 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.

• APPLICATION PROCESS

To submit your application, applying for “RA_Consciousness_2026" and attach the following documentation: by June 30, 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: 30/06/2026

• Evaluation by committee: 30/06/2026 - 07/07/2026

• Interviews: 13/07/2026 – 20/07/2026

• Final decision: 21/07/2026

• Feedback to all applicants: 24/07/2026

• Work contract start date: 01/09/2026

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]