PhD position: The effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive functions

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PhD position: The effect of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation on cognitive functions (1.0 fte, 4 years) Can noninvasive electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve improve our memory, attention and other cognitive functions? What you will do Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a non-invasive technique in which the vagus nerve is gently stimulated electrically through the skin, either at the ear or the neck. In recent years, interest in this method has grown rapidly among scientists, healthcare professionals and commercial companies. Some manufacturers are even marketing tVNS devices directly to consumers, claiming benefits such as reduced stress and improved concentration and memory. However, many of the promises currently being made are not yet supported by robust scientific evidence. The aim of this project is to investigate thoroughly whether tVNS genuinely improves cognitive functions. For detailed project information, see: https://rb.gy/wmiqqk (project WP1) Your responsibilities involve: Carrying out a thorough analysis of existing literature on tVNS and cognitive functions Designing and carrying out new experiments to examine whether tVNS enhances cognitive functions, focusing in particular on perception, working memory and cognitive control in younger and older (70-80 years) adults Performing advanced data analyses, including computational modelling of behavioural data Reporting results in scientific articles in international journals, culminating in a PhD dissertation within 4 years Presenting the work at national and international scientific conferences Supervising BSc and MSc thesis projects This is a four-year position with a preferred starting date of 1 January 2027. It is funded by a Dutch Research Council (NWO) grant awarded to Sander Nieuwenhuis (Leiden University). The team will consist of Sander Nieuwenhuis, a postdoctoral researcher, the PhD student and a research assistant. If time permits, the PhD student will get the opportunity to contribute to the postdoc’s experiments combining tVNS with pupillometry, EEG and fMRI. Where you will work The Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences consists of five institutes: the Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology, Education and Child Studies, Political Science, and Psychology. The faculty is home to approximately 7,000 students and 1,000 staff members. Our institutes are dedicated not only to education but also to groundbreaking research that expands our understanding of human behavior and societal structures. What makes our faculty unique is the diversity of research topics, the variety of teaching approaches, and the structure of professional support. This provides you with the opportunity to explore and develop your interests and expertise. For an introduction to our faculty, visit our website: Welcome to the Leiden Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences – Leiden University . The Institute of Psychology trains new generations of students to address the challenges of our society, both now and in the future, through leading behavioral science research and education. This is achieved through collaboration, both within and outside the institute, in the field of psychology and related research areas, covering both fundamental and applied aspects. The broad bachelor’s program and a wide range of master’s specializations further contribute to this mission. Within the institute and the academic community, a dedicated and passionate atmosphere prevails. The themes of Health and Wellbeing, Social-Cognitive-Affective Decision Making, Development and Learning, and Advanced Behavioral Science Methods guide both research and education. The institute places great importance on fostering a safe and inclusive environment, with room for new developments such as open science, recognition and valorization, and interdisciplinarity, which are firmly embedded in the institute’s strategy. The institute, with approx