PhD Position at the Geneva Motivation Lab

We are looking for a PhD student for a research project on the impact of the implicit motives on effort
and implicit learning. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation for a period of
three and a half years.

Project summary:
The project will examine the impact of the implicit affiliation and power motives on effort and implicit
learning. Drawing on an integration of motive disposition theory (McClelland et al., 1989),
motivational intensity theory (Brehm et al., 1983), and motivational field theory (Stanton et al., 2010),
we aim at investigating the impact of facial expressions of emotion on effort and implicit learning, as a
function of people’s implicit affiliation and power motives. Effort will be operationalized as
cardiovascular reactivity. Implicit learning will be assessed by classic incentive learning paradigms.
Individuals’ implicit motives will be assessed with the Picture Story Exercise.

Eligibility:
To be eligible for the PhD position, you must demonstrate outstanding academic qualities and be
motivated to complete a PhD in three and a half years. You should hold a master’s degree (or an
equivalent degree) in a psychology-related subject. You should be fluent in French and English.
Familiarity with laboratory and psychophysiological research as well as with implicit motive measures
would be advantageous.

Funding notes:
PhD salary according to the Swiss National Science Foundation rates for three and a half years (CHF
47’040 to 50’040 per year). Possible start dates are in Autumn 2023. For more information on the
research activities of our labs please visit www.unige.ch/fapse/motivation (Geneva Motivation Lab, Dr.
Kerstin Brinkmann) and https://www.effortlab.website/ (Effort Lab, Dr. Michael Richter, Liverpool
John Moores University, UK).

How to apply:
If you would like to apply, please email a single PDF file including a covering letter (explaining your
interest in the project), an academic curriculum vitae, and a reference letter from a referee with
knowledge of your academic suitability for undertaking a PhD to Dr. Kerstin Brinkmann
(kerstin.brinkmann@unige.ch) and Dr. Michael Richter (m.richter@ljmu.ac.uk). The closing date for
applications is 15th May 2023. However, we review all applications on a rolling basis and therefore
advise you to apply as soon as possible. For informal inquiries, please contact Dr. Kerstin Brinkmann
or Dr. Michael Richter by email (kerstin.brinkmann@unige.ch, m.richter@ljmu.ac.uk).