PhD in Connectomics analysis of human brain evolution

Onderzoeksgebouw VU

Amsterdam

0.8 / 1

Faculty of Science

PhD

MSc

Closes on

21-12-2025

Publishing date

06-11-2025

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Do you like to work with complex neuroimaging data and with big data on the intersection of neuroscience, connectomics and genetics? CNCR at VU Amsterdam invites applications for a PhD position in the field of computational neuroscience.

Your function

The Brain Connectivity and Connectomics team at the Department of Complex Trait Genetics at the Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (www.cncr.nl), invites applications for 2 PhD positions in the study of human brain evolution and the origins of human cognitive brain functions. This project focuses on understanding human brain evolution and how evolutionary procesess have shaped the organization of human cognitive brain networks and their cognitive functions and vulnerability to mental conditions. By applying neuroimaging, genetics and network neuroscience analyses to MRI data from multiple species, the project aims to study the evolutionary basis of human cognition—including language, working memory, theory-of-mind, and the specialized brain networks supporting these processes. One candidate will focus on the genetics side of the research question, the other candidate will focus on the neuroimaging and network neuroscience part.

Working in a team, the joint aim of the project is to gain insight into the comparative effects of human brain connectome organization and the integration of this data with recent functional and structural connectome properties and recent evolutionary genetic discoveries, utilizing large-scale bioinformatic databases and resources.

Background: The human brain is a highly complex network of interconnected regions—the connectome. Over the past decade, advances in network neuroscience and connectomics have allowed researchers to map and study the organization of brain networks, revealing how connectivity underpins cognition and behavior. The emerging field of comparative connectomics seeks to understand how these brain networks overlap and differ across species, providing insights into the evolutionary origins of brain function and the neural basis of cognitive functions such as language, working memory, and theory-of-mind. Key questions include how brain systems have evolved across species, which connections are uniquely developed in humans, and how these patterns relate to evolutionary changes in genetic and molecular mechanisms.

In this project, you will investigate these questions by analyzing large-scale MRI from multiple species, making specific species-comparisons (for example chimpanzees vs humans) and applying and developing state-of-the-art methods in network analysis, connectomics, and computational neuroscience. You will collaborate within a motivated, multidisciplinary team of PhD students and postdocs with expertise in biology bioinformatics, AI, genetics, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, psychology, and statistics, together contributing to a deeper understanding of the basis of human brain connectivity and brain function.

You have affinity with working with large datasets and have knowledge of data analysis and programming (MATLAB, Python, R, or other scientific coding/programming). Affinity with computational neuroscience, connectomics and/or Machine Learning is appreciated.

Our goal

perform connectome analysis on neuroimaging data\integrate connectome findings across multiple speices
work on developing new statistical methods to compare networks across conditions
apply bioinformatic tools for integrating results from different biological resources
think critically
work with highly motivated and enthusiastic team members
actively take part in discussions and have frequent contact with CNCR neuroimaging, genetics and neuroscience labs
authoring and co-authoring manuscripts submitted to high quality journals
support (10% of time) to teaching
frequently present work at international communities (at conference calls, or conferences)

Your profile

MSc in any of the of the following fields: Neuroscience, Mathematics, Physics, Artificial Intelligence, Informatics (webdevelopment), Computational Neuroscience, Biology, Genetics and/or Statistics
experience with neuroimaging techniques, preferably connectomics; bioinformatics; computational biology is appreciated
a good ability to write and read English
experience with Python, or R language and some experience with scientific programming
support ‘open science’: share your tools and data with the wider scientific community. Sharing is caring.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
solid pension scheme (ABP)
contribution to commuting expenses
optional model for designing a personalized benefits package

About us

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Interested

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.