Researcher in cognitive sciences (M/F/X) (OPTIMIS)

Job title:

Researcher in cognitive sciences (M/F/X) (OPTIMIS)

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Job description

Offer DescriptionIn the framework of the project OPTIMIS aimed at understanding the needs of turret operators and developing adaptive human-machine interfaces capable of minimizing cognitive load, we are looking for a full-time researcher in cognitive/behavioral (neuro)science with a Masters-level degree in cognitive science, cognitive/behavioral neuroscience, experimental psychology or related fields.The Royal Military Academy (RMA) values diversity and equal opportunities. We enthusiastically welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of gender, origin, or other personal characteristics. Whether you are a man, a woman or X, or come from any background, we firmly believe that diversity enriches our community, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.ContextThe Royal Military Academy of Belgium (RMA) is a military institution responsible for the basic academic, military and physical training of future officers, and for the continuing advanced training of officers during their active career in the Belgian Defense department (Homepage | RMA). It is fully recognized as a university, fulfilling the same criteria as civilian universities. The Royal Military Academy is also conducting scientific research at university level for projects funded by the Belgian Defense department or external sources.You work within the department of LIFE Sciences of the Faculty of Behavioral Sciences of the Royal Military Academy and in close collaboration with John Cockerill Defense and between other consortium partners. You conduct scientific research at university level on a project entitled “Optimized Personal Turret Interface based on a Mulitmodal Interaction System (OPTIMIS)”.You work within a research team and in close collaboration with industrial partners from John Cockerill Defense and Tobii.StudyThe researcher will work as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary project led by John Cockerill Defense and aiming to develop an optimized turret interface based on a multimodal interaction system. S/he will work under supervision of Dr. Nicolas Bourguignon and Dr. Andrés Gugliotta (Department of Life Sciences). S/he will work in the framework of a practice-oriented research aimed at developing adaptive human-machine interfaces capable of minimizing cognitive load of turret operators (The OPTIMIS project). S/he will be tasked with evaluating on a virtual reality based (VR) turret simulator the impact of an augmented and adaptive interface design on the cognitive load and situational awareness of turret operators.More information about the project here: The project and position are funded until June 2025 – and so is the job, but with the possibility of extension under other funding opportunities for the write candidate.Main Tasks

• Designing and performing research related to the project described above,
• Analyzing research data and reporting results in (national and international) scientific events (conferences, workshops, invited talks, etc.) and peer reviewed scientific journals,
• Data curation,
• Seeking and acquiring research RMA-internal and external research funding (for PhD research and/or full-fledged research projects),
• Assisting the department’s staff and research teams in scientific and administrative duties (in limited amount).

Where to apply E-mailerm-deao-rswo@mil.beRequirementsResearch Field Psychological sciences » Cognitive science Education Level Master Degree or equivalentSkills/QualificationsRequired skillsTechnical skillsThe applicant shall have a Masters-level Degree in Cognitive and/or Behavioral (neuro)science, experimental psychology or equivalent.

• Experience in designing and performing experiments in cognitive/behavioral (neuro)science and/or experimental psychology and excellent level of English communication (oral and/or written) is absolutely required.
• Training or experience in eye-tracking methods and data analysis skills are required.
• Experience in writing and/or publishing research reports is recommended.
• Experience in conducting studies involving VR and knowledge of Matlab, R and/or Python will be considered an added value.

Personal skills

• You are autonomous, rigorous and take initiative at all levels of the scientific process (coding, testing, writing, analyzing, troubleshooting, etc.).
• You commit yourself in your job by giving the best of your aptitudes in striving toward the highest quality standards and persevere when needed.
• You are curious, creative, broad-minded and are eager to learn.
• You improve the team-spirit and solve interpersonal conflicts.
• You are comfortable travelling/commuting for professional missions nationally and internationally.

Other skills

• The applicant will have excellent command of the English language (to read, present, and write scientific publications); TOEFL B2 is a minimum).
• Minimal knowledge of French and/or Dutch is an added value for collaboration with peers.
• Knowledge of, and interest in, the Belgian and/or international defence institutions is highly valued.

Specific RequirementsSpecific requirement

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

Languages ENGLISH Level ExcellentLanguages FRENCH Level BasicLanguages DUTCH Level BasicResearch Field Psychological sciences » Cognitive science Years of Research Experience 1 – 4Internal Application form(s) needed20240701_P-RMA-131_Template_Job-description_ENG_OPTIMIS.pdfEnglish(272.43 KB – PDF)Additional InformationBenefitsContract

• Probable date of recruitment: From September 1st, 2024, in consultation with the applicant.
• Status: Full-time employment (38h/week) based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).
• Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until June 2025. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.
• Wage scale: class A1 (holder of a Master’s degree in Science or equivalent). RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations.
• Online wage simulator: Simulateur de salaire | BOSA (belgium.be) / Salarissimulator | BOSA (belgium.be)
• Holiday pay.

Extra-legal benefits

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance ;
• Holidays o 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) o + 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year’s Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers…);
• Entitlement to services offered by the ‘Office Central d’Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense’ (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator…;
• Possibility of benefiting from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).

Selection processApplicationYou will be working in a military environment. That is why everyone is expected to undergo a security verification. Please add to your application the filled out document. The form can be downloaded from:(Dutch) or (French).We cannot unfortunately provide an English version of this document.Send by email:

• A motivational letter;
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae;
• A scan of your ID card/passport (both sides);
• A support letters from current or former teacher/promotor/job supervisor;
• The filled out security document.

to Dr. Nicolas Bourguignon ( ) & Dr. Andrés Gugliotta ( ) and to Mrs Helena BRUYNINCKX ( ).Please mention clearly the reference of the project: “OPTIMIS”.Application deadline: 31st of July 2024.The interviews will take place at the Royal Military Academy, Hobbemastraat 8, 1000 Brussels. In case of access restriction due to COVID-19 or non-Belgian application, on-line interviews will take place. The date and time of the interview will be communicated to the preselected candidates.Additional commentsWorkplace

• Royal Military Academy, Avenue de la Renaissance 30, 1000 Brussels;
• Occasional travels nationally or abroad for scientific conferences and other professional missions

Points of contact

• Concerning the research project: to Dr. Andrés Gugliotta (

) * Concerning the recruitment modalities: Mrs Helena Bruyninckx (
) * For more information about the Royal Military Academy, see Homepage | RMA
Website for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Royal Military Academy – Patrimony Country Belgium State/Province Brussels City Brussels Postal Code 1000 Street Hobbemastraat 8 GeofieldContact State/ProvinceBrussels CityBrussels WebsiteStreetHobbemastraat 8 Postal Code1000 E-MailERM-DEAO-RSWO@mil.be Phone+3224413750STATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Brussel

Job date

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 02:39:40 GMT

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