This document provides advice for applying for a position in cognitive psychology. It discusses important factors to consider in the initial application, how to write an effective research proposal, how to respond to reviewer comments, and how to prepare for an interview. The key steps outlined are to have relevant experience, propose a novel topic with strong theoretical background and feasible methods, address all reviewer feedback, and practice presenting research clearly to non-experts.

1. Cognitive Psychology
VENI
Artem Belopolsky
A.Belopolsky@psy.vu.nl
Cognitive Psychology
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

2. Cognitive Psychology
Before application
• First round is the most important
– you have no control
• Things to consider
– time after PhD
– number of publications
– international experience (internships,
collaborations)

3. Cognitive Psychology
Proposal
• The most difficult: novel topic or approach
– New view on the old problems
– Interdisciplinary approach
• Strong theoretical background
• Experience in proposed methods
– Publications
– No learning new methods
• Applications of your research (if possible)

4. Cognitive Psychology
Proposal
• Have a clear structure Intro-approach-expected
conclusions
• Realistic plan or framework with possibility of extentions
• Describe the exact experiments that you will do
• Have alternative plan of action – what if your hypothesis
is wrong?
• Use figures
• Let as many people as possible read it
– Non-experts in the field
– It is useful even if they completely misunderstood your proposal

5. Cognitive Psychology
Reply to reviewers
• Comes in vacation period
• Know your chances
• Always write a reply
– Summarize the positive comments
– Answer ALL the negative comments
– Let other people read it

6. Cognitive Psychology
Interview
• Powerpoint, slides, sleight of hand
• Practice, practice, practice
– only 10 minutes
– stand out
– accessable to all backgrounds
– enthusiasm

7. Cognitive Psychology
Interview
• Novelty should be clear
• Maximum 1 expert
• Answers to reviewers
• Refrain from arguing back and forth
• Alternative plan of actions
• Application of your research?