FYI ---------------------------

2 PhD students positions available for:

1. *“Dopaminergic Modulation of Meta-Control Parameters and the Stability-Flexibility Balance”* 2. *“Serotonergic Modulation of Meta-Control Parameters”*

Section Systems Neuroscience (Prof. Michael Smolka), TU-Dresden, Germany

Project “Volition and Cognitive Control: Mechanisms, Modulators, and Dysfunctions”

*Deadline: *31 July

Within the University of Excellence Technische Universität Dresden, the Section of Systems Neuroscience (Prof. Michael Smolka) 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 cutting edge to clinical applications. We investigate the function of neural systems that are involved in elementary cognitive processes such as learning, emotion, motivation, executive function, or decision making. In order to better understand neural mechanisms underlying mental disorders, we investigate how these processes contribute to the complex behavioral dysfunctions observed, for example, in addictive behavior. Recently, the German Funding Agency DFG has approved a new collaborative research centre (CRC) titled “Volition and Cognitive Control: Mechanisms, Modulators, and Dysfunctions”.

Within this CRC, we invite applications for the projects “Dopaminergic Modulation of Meta- Control Parameters and the Stability-Flexibility Balance” and “Serotonergic Modulation of Meta-Control Parameters”.

Effective immediately the following position is vacant:

*2 PhD Students*

The salary is according to the TV-L dispositions (2 positions, 65% each). Contract is limited to 2 years first, but will be expanded after a positive evaluation.

The common aim of both projects is to investigate effects of neuropharmacological interventions on elementary cognitive processes such as learning and discounting as a function of time or probability. Both projects are complementary because they target similar psychological concepts using different neuromodulatory pathways. The successful candidate will be involved in running participants, implementing experimental protocols, and processing of the recorded data. Furthermore, the successful candidate is expected to undertake project management duties including supervision of student research assistants, data management, and publication of the results.

*Requirements*

Excellent graduate degree (Diplom; MSc or equivalent) in any scientific field of study with a strong curriculum in neuroscience (i.e., psychology, medicine, neuroinformatics)

Experience in scientific work (e.g., as student research assistant)  Sufficient language skills to interact with local participants in German and the global scientific community in English (excellent language skills are a plus)

*The ideal candidate would additionally be characterised by**

Previous hands-on experience in neuroscience in general and in neuroimaging (i.e., fMRI or PET) in particular Programming skills in any common software environment (e.g., MATLAB, Python, E- Prime/Presentation/__PsychToolbox)

Intrinsic motivation to investigate the brain and strong interest in experimental approaches to study complex human behaviour

*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 PhD graduate 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. Handicapped applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualification.

We kindly ask you to apply preferably via our online form to make the selection process faster and more effective. Of course, we consider your written application without any disadvantages.

We look forward to receiving application, until July 31, 2012 online with reference number PSY0912166. 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.

Please use the following link to submit your application:

https://www.uniklinikum-__dresden.de/Bewerbung/?id=__b94067cc7459cd257f3d1c4...

https://www.uniklinikum-dresden.de/Bewerbung/?id=b94067cc7459cd257f3d1c403aeeed68

For further information please contact: Mr. Nils Kroemer, nils.kroemer@tu-dresden.de mailto:nils.kroemer@tu-dresden.de Tel.: +49-351-463-42206 tel:%2B49-351-463-42206.