The Swiss Center for Affective Sciences is inviting applications for a postdoctoral researcher position to work on the project “Behavioral, psychophysiological, and computational signatures of affective influences on information value learning”. This project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. It aims to characterize how affective processes influence the way humans learn the value of information, and how this impacts information-seeking decisions. The project combines computational modeling with behavioral and psychophysiological methods within an affective-science framework.
The successful applicant will join a dynamic research team led by Prof. David Sander (E3Lab, Swiss Center for Affective Sciences and Department of Psychology, FPSE, University of Geneva) and will play an active role in the project’s scientific implementation under the supervision of Dr. Yoann Stussi (PI). Specifically, the successful applicant’s responsibilities include:
- Designing psychological experiments to examine how affective processes modulate information value learning
- Coordinating data collection in online and laboratory settings
- Operating the research materials required for the project, including a computer-controlled olfactometer, high-quality olfactory stimuli, and state-of-the-art eye-tracking and physiological recording systems
- Analyzing multimodal data (behavioral, psychophysiological, and individual differences) using advanced statistical methods and reinforcement-learning models
- Disseminating the findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Ensuring data management and the implementation of rigorous open-science practices throughout the project
Qualifications
Essential qualifications
- PhD in psychology, affective science, cognitive science, neuroscience, computer science, or a related field
- Strong background in empirical and quantitative research, including experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis
- Proficiency in computational modeling (e.g., reinforcement learning)
- Experience with statistical software and programming environments (e.g., R, MATLAB, Python)
- Ability to work collaboratively and autonomously in a team
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
- Commitment to open-science practices (e.g., preregistration, data and code sharing)
Desirable qualifications
- Experience with psychophysiological methods (e.g., eye-tracking, pupillometry)
- Knowledge of research on affect and emotion, decision-making, information-seeking, and reinforcement learning
- Demonstrated ability to publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Basic knowledge of French or willingness to learn is a plus to facilitate interactions with students and participants. However, it is not a requirement.
Additional information
Why join us?
- Work at the internationally renowned Swiss Center for Affective Sciences (University of Geneva), located at Campus Biotechin Geneva
- Collaborate with leading researchers in affective science, reinforcement learning, and decision-making research
- Access cutting-edge research infrastructures and resources at the Brain and Behavior Laboratory
- Be part of an interdisciplinary and inclusive research community
- Benefit from professional development and networking opportunities
- Enjoy a competitive Swiss salary and excellent working conditions
We value curiosity, collaboration, and a supportive research environment. We are committed to removing barriers and fostering a culture of belonging where everyone is valued for who they are and are empowered to succeed. We embrace equality, diversity, and inclusion.
How to apply
To apply, please send your complete application in a single PDF file to yoann.stussi@unige.ch. Your application should include:
- A cover letter explaining your motivation for the position and your interest in the project
- An academic curriculum vitae (including research achievements, list of research outputs, and ORCID/OSF/Git links if available)
- Two representative research outputs (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, preprints, book chapters, PhD thesis, conference proceedings, or datasets)
- The names and contact details of two academic references whom you agree we may contact
The closing date for application is November 30, 2025. However, we review all applications on a rolling basis and therefore advise you to apply as soon as possible. For further information or informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Yoann Stussi via email (yoann.stussi@unige.ch).