Researcher in cognitive sciences (ARMAS) M/W/X

MAIN TASKS

• Designing and performing research related to the project described above;
• Develop computer and VR based experimental protocols based on existing commercial game engines;
• Analyzing research data and reporting results at (national and international) scientific events (conferences, workshops, invited talks, etc.) and peer reviewed scientific journals,
• Data curation;
• Seeking and acquiring research RMA-internal and external research funding (for PhD research and/or full-fledged research projects);
• Assisting the department's staff and research teams in scientific and administrative duties (in limited amount).

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Degree(s) required / ideal degree(s): Masters-level Degree in Cognitive and/or Behavioral (neuro)science, experimental psychology or equivalent.

This position is open for junior profiles (ideally 0-3 years of experience) / experienced profiles (ideally 3 years of experience minimum).

However, young graduates are also encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate that they will hold the required diploma by the start date of the contract.

¿MUST HAVE¿ skills

• Experience in designing and performing experiments in cognitive/behavioral (neuro)science and/or experimental psychology.
• An excellent level of English communication (oral and/or written) is absolutely required.
• Experience programming on C++, C#, Python or GDScript.
• Experience analysing behavioural data using R, Python, JASP or SPSS.

¿NICE TO HAVE¿ skills

• Training or experience using game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, and/or Godot to develop VR experiments.
• Training or experience in electrodermal activity (EDA) measurement, data analysis, and experimental design.
• Training or experience in 3D modelling, motion capture, and animation using Blender or similar tools.
• Experience in writing and/or publishing research reports is recommended.
• Proficiency in Dutch and/or French.

Personal skills

• You conduct scientific research in an independent and upright way within a multidisciplinary environment.
• You commit yourself in your job by giving the best of your aptitudes in striving toward the highest quality standards and persevere when needed.
• You are curious, creative, broad-minded and are eager to learn.
• You improve the team-spirit and solve interpersonal conflicts.
• You are comfortable travelling/commuting for professional missions nationally and internationally.

Other skills

• Knowledge of, and interest in, the Belgian and/or international defence institutions is highly valued.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

• The researcher may be exposed to classified information and will therefore have to obtain the required security clearance. The candidate must consent with the background check required to obtain this clearance, which will be executed by Belgian Defense.
• Only applicants with a nationality of a country that is part of NATO will be eligible.
• Working for the Patrimony requires living in Belgium for the duration of the study.

CONTRACT

• Probable date of recruitment: From October 1st 2026 , in consultation with the applicant. •

Status: Full-time employment based on an open-ended contract with the Patrimony of the Royal Military Academy (you will not be a civil servant).

Please note that your contract will be open-ended, but the financing of the contract will be tied to the funding project, which is guaranteed until the end of September 2030. The financing of your contract beyond that period is therefore not 100% guaranteed. However, the Patrimony has a policy to keep the good elements on board and the research focus of this job offer fits within our core research activities, so there is a high chance that we will be able to offer you follow-up projects beyond that date if you decide to stay.

• Wage scale: class A1 (holder of a Master's degree in Science or equivalent), wage scale NA11 with valuable seniority ( Simulateur de salaire ) . RMA-Patrimony applies a merit-based research career track, allowing researchers to advance in wage scale based upon annual evaluations. •

Holiday pay.

EXTRA LEGAL BENEFITS

• Possibility to benefit from a bilingualism allowance (Dutch/French) following a SELOR test;
• End-of-year bonus;
• Free DKV hospitalization insurance. Possibility of additional affiliation for one or more persons living under the same roof: spouse, child(ren) (50% of the price per additional member);
• Bike allowance / Free public transport (home-work commute);
• Meal vouchers (6€ / day);
• Digital allowance (15€ / month);
• Free access to campus sports facilities outside working hours;
• On-campus restaurant and cafeteria with democratic prices (discount on the daily menu);
• Flexible working hours within the 38-hour week;
• Teleworking possible with allowance (2 days / week max);
• Holidays: 29 days holiday / year from the 1st year of contract (then from 45 years: +1 day holiday every 5 years) & 1 week OFF every year between Christmas and New year's Eve (independent of the annual balance of holidays).
• Advantages and interesting offers thanks to the Benefits@work card (discounts, vouchers...);
• Entitlement to services offered by the `Office Central d'Action Sociale et Culturelle de la Défense' (OCASC): among others holiday centres, discount on travel organised by the tour operator...;
• Possibility to benefit from the nursery funded by Belgian Defence (subject to availability).