[visionlist] PhD researcher Utrecht University

[Stefan van der Stigchel]

'The influence of perceptual features and obstacle identity on obstacle
avoidance in goal-directed behavior'

Job description

The proposed research project aims to unravel the influence of obstacle
features and obstacle identity on action control. In order to program a
movement that avoids an obstacle, visual information about the different
features of the obstacle must be processed. Experimental studies have shown
that obstacle avoidance is reflected in the dynamics of the reaching
movement: the trajectory of the reach either deviates towards or away from
the obstacle, depending on the task conditions. By systematically varying
the features of the obstacle like texture, color, shape and hardness, it can
be revealed which feature introduces the strongest interference on the reach
trajectory. By combining recording of eye movements and reach trajectories,
it will be revealed whether similar mechanisms underlie the rejection of
irrelevant elements in the oculomotor and the motor system. Besides studies
with healthy participants, investigations will also be performed with
neurological patients suffering from hemispatial neglect, extinction and
hemianopia. This allows us to determine whether conscious processing of
different obstacle features is necessary for influencing the reach
trajectory.
The PhD candidate will design and conduct experiments on cognitive
processes. The research will be reported in articles which will be submitted
to relevant scientific journals. After 4 years the research should lead to
PhD thesis. The PhD candidate will participate in the education program of
the Helmholtz research school.
The PhD candidate will play a role in screening incoming patients in the
neuropsychological clinic. Besides standard neuropsychological screening on
visual deficits like neglect and hemianopia, special attention will be paid
to action related deficits like optic ataxia.

Requirements

We are looking for enthusiastic, and ambitious candidates with:
a master's degree in cognitive, neuro- or biological psychology, cognitive
neuroscience or in a comparable scientific discipline;
experience with conducting kinematic and oculomotor experiments and with
neuropsychological assessment of neurological patients will be advantageous.

Additional information

Additional information about the vacancy can be obtained from: Dr Chris
Dijkerman, telephone number: +31 30 253 3395, c.dijkerman at uu.nl  or Dr
Stefan van der Stigchel: +31 30 253 3356, s.vanderstigchel at uu.nl.

Direct link to this job www.academictransfer.com/3521