The aim of the project is to test a new integrative theory of human face learning (introduced in a recent paper here) that explains how recognition performance changes as familiarity with faces develops. We hypothesise that the relative stability of a given face’s appearance interact with learning demands to determine the level of details that are stored in memory over time and the quality of facial representations. In that framework, recognition errors are viewed as the flip side of an otherwise efficient and economical mechanism.

This theory will be tested with behavioural and eye-tracking experiments that will track the development of facial representations. A new understanding of human face learning will help address limits of facial recognition technologies and contribute to the improvement of the treatment of people with debilitating face recognition difficulties.

 

Duties

§  Conduct experiments described in the research project (available on demand).

§  Write and submit research articles to international peer-reviewed journals.

§  Write a dissertation thesis (in French or in English).

§  Fulfil at least 60 ECTS of Graduate School required activities (e.g. courses, conference).

§  Supervise student research projects at the bachelor and master levels.

§  Participate in general activities of the Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition (PsyNCog) research unit and of the Cognitive Psychology research group.

Offer

§  Three years of paid employment with possibility to apply for a fourth year.

§  Supportive work environment on a wooded campus (Sart Tilman).

§  Budget for travels to international and national conferences.

§  Subject Pool and budget for paid research participants.

§  Negotiable starting date (from September 2023).

 

Selection criteria

§  Master degree (120 credits) in Experimental/cognitive psychology, cognitive neuroscience or equivalent.

§  Excellent academic record.

§  Strong background in methodology and statistical analyses.

§  Experience with image and/or video editing software.

§  Experience with experiment programming software (e.g. OpenSesame, E-prime).

§  Excellent organisational and time management skills.

§  Excellent writing and oral communication skills.

§  An excellent command of English.

§  A willingness to travel abroad (for conferences or short research stays).

§  Enthusiasm, self-motivation, team spirit and benevolence.

 

§  Coding skills in R and Python are a plus.

§  Experience with eye-tracking is a plus.

 

To apply, please send the following to cdevue@uliege.be with email subject “Application for PhD position – Face learning”:

§  A cover letter detailing your background and motivations.

§  A curriculum vitae, including a link to a copy of your master thesis and a list of research projects in which you were involved, with a brief description of your contribution.

§  Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor's and master's degrees.

§  Contact details of at least two academic references.

§  Deadline: 12 September 2023 at noon (UTC+01:00).

 

 

Selected candidates will be invited for an interview. Please contact Christel Devue (cdevue@uliege.be) for more information or informal inquiries. I will also be at the ESCOP in Porto, so feel free to approach me there.