Postdoc in Model-Based fMRI
Within the Technische Universität Dresden, the Section of Systems Neuroscience is closely
associated with the Department of Psychology and the Neuroimaging Center, which offers
excellent research collaborations and infrastructure, e.g. a 3 Tesla MRI scanner for
full-time research, MRI-compatible EEG and eye tracking, and access to the PET center at
Dresden-Rossendorf.
Our international and multidisciplinary group conducts basic research in neuroscience at
the inter-face to clinical applications. We investigate the function of neural systems
that are involved in ele-mentary cognitive processes such as emotion, motivation,
learning, executive function, or decision making. In order to better understand neural
mechanisms underlying mental disorders, we investi-gate how these processes contribute to
the complex behavioral dysfunctions observed, for example, in addictive behavior.
Within a new collaborative research centre on “Volition and Cognitive Control: Mechanisms,
Modulators, and Dysfunctions” (
www.sfb940.de) we are seeking a postdoc for a project on
“Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Modulation of Meta-Control Parameters”. The position is
limited till 30.06.2016. This project aims to investigate the effects of neuromodulatory
pathways on elementary cognitive processes such as reward processing, different facets of
learning and decision making. For this purpose functional and molecular neuroimaging (MRI
and PET), neuropharmacological interventions and genetics will be combined.
The successful candidate will be involved in implementing experimental protocols,
processing of behavioral and MRI data (e.g. by using computational modeling) and improving
methods in the field of pharmacological MRI and model-based fMRI analysis. Furthermore,
the successful candidate is expected to undertake project management duties including
supervision of PhD students, data management, and publication of the results. Moreover,
the position offers the possibility for further scientific qualification (i.e.,
Habilitation).
Requirements:
• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in any scientific field of study with a strong curriculum in
cognitive neuroscience (i.e., psychology, neuroinformatics, mathematics, medicine)
• Substantial hands-on experience in the field of neuroimaging, including knowledge of
com-mon software packages (e.g. SPM or FSL, Freesurfer, Matlab, Python, Presentation,
Psych-Toolbox)
• Expertise in computational modeling (e.g., Rescorla-Wagner, Hidden Markov, Bayesian
inference methods) of imaging data
The ideal candidate would additionally be characterized by:
• Sharing our passion to push the limits in understanding the brain
• Keen interest in experimental approaches to study complex human behavior
• Strong publication record
We offer you the possibility of:
• Working in an interdisciplinary team contributing to our understanding of the brain with
the particular skills that you already have and will further develop
• Being part of the structured program of our CRC
• Arranging for flexible working hours to find a balance between work and family life
• Providing for the future in the form of a company pension plan
Women are explicitly invited to apply. Disabled persons will be preferred in case of equal
qualification.
Interested applicants should send their online application with the reference number
PSY0913527 until October 06, 2013 to systems.neuroscience(a)tu-dresden.de. Please submit a
full CV, transcript of records, statement of research interest (max. 2 pages), and names
and contact information for two or three referees. For more information about the position
please contact us via email or telephone (+49 351 46342201).