Postdoctoral Fellow in Motor Control Neuroscience

Centre for Cognition & Decision Making, Motor Control Group, Moscow, Russia
Higher School of Economics

The Motor Control Group (MCG) in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of Cognitive Neuroscience. 

The job requires:

To work under the direct supervision of Prof. Matteo Feurra

- Performing research on Motor Control processes (e.g. action observation, motor imagery, grasping action processes and cortical motor mapping, sensory-motor integration in cognitive functions) via Non Invasive Brain Stimulation Techniques such as TMS, tDCS and tACS.

- Performing research on Motor Control processes via motion tracking device such as Kinematic system and Virtual Reality

- Develop and apply computational and machine learning approaches to neural and behavioral data, including:

• preprocessing and analysis of EMG, EEG and kinematic signals
• building predictive models of motor responses and cortical excitability (for example MEP prediction, motor potential prediction) using statistical learning and deep learning methods
• exploring AI driven tools for individualized brain stimulation protocols and digital biomarkers of motor function.

- Writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals.

- Some teaching as well as public presentations of candidate’s own research are also encouraged.

- Participation in organization of the events and other contribution to the Lab’s development.

The Lab offers access to Multichannel EEG system (128-channel EEG BRAINAMP DC), eye-tracking (Eye-tracker SMI RED), 2 TMS Magventure (MagPro X100) with neuronavigation, Transcranial Electrical Stimulation system by Enobio Starstim, EMS Brainstim, DS5 Digitimer and access to MEG (more information: Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience ).

 

Requirements

The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following:

• Candidates must hold a recent PhD in the field in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, cognitive science, psychology, computer science, physics, or a related discipline, from an internationally recognized university, which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals;
• A strong scientific background in human motor control, neurophysiology, or computational neuroscience is required. Candidates should have experience with at least one of the following methods:

1. non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS, tACS, tDCS),
2. electromyography (EMG) or electroencephalography (EEG),
3. motion tracking and kinematic analysis,
4. neural data analysis and signal processing,
5. machine learning or AI methods applied to brain or motor data.

• High motivation to conduct high-quality research publishable in quality international peer-reviewed journals;
• Fluent English is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team; strong analytical and programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python); familiarity with experimental design, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Experience with deep learning (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) or predictive modeling of brain or motor activity will be considered a plus;
• Previous experience in multimodal neuroimaging, closed-loop stimulation, or AI-driven analysis of neural or behavioral data will be an advantage, though not required;
• relevant experience is an asset although not required.

The position involves:

• working under the direct supervision of Dr. Matteo Feurra (Associate Professor);
• participants are encouraged to pursue their own research along with working on the topics of the Motor Control Group: Mirror Neurons, Motor Imagery, Kinematics such as:

o  Motor Imagery
o  Action Observation
o  Real movement
o  Prediction of Motor Response

• writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with the members of  Motor Control Group;
• participation in the events of the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience) and other contribution to the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience development;
• public presentations of candidate’s own research to the academic community;
• some teaching is encouraged, though not required.

 

Conditions

Appointments are made for one year. Postdoctoral fellows have high opportunity of renewal of the contract (no more than two times) in case of outstanding performance.

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan; a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University.

The Centre for Cognition and Decision Making offers access to its facilities (EEG, MEG, fMRI, rTMS, TES, Motion Tracking VR, fNIRS,) behavioral and eye-tracker labs and a range of other facilities, laboratories, software for research.

 

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via the online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring laboratory/centre/department may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

 

The deadline for the applications is January 31, 2026

 

Apply now

 

For more information:

• about Postdoctoral Fellowship -Frequently Asked Questions
  
• about HSE university –official web-site
  
• about the Institute for Cognitive Neuroscience, official web-site of the Centre for Cognition & Decision Making or contact Dr. Matteo Feurra directly (mfeurra@hse.ru)
• about international specialists' life in Moscow -International Faculty Support page

 

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru