Doctoral Researcher (f/m/d): Laminar fMRI of Hippocampus

Subject to the approval and funding of the DFG-funded Research Unit Layers of Memory, a PhD position for a scientific researcher is available for the integrated acquisition and analysis of laminar fMRI data acquired from the hippocampus and associated regions. This project is one of eight projects that make up the Layers of Memory Unit. It is a collaboration between the Universities of Duisburg-Essen, Magdeburg, and Salzburg. One scientific researcher supervised by Prof. Dr. David Norris (ELH) and one post-doc, supervised by Prof. Dr. Martin Kronbichler (Salzburg), will work on this project. There will be a close integration with all projects of the Unit, but especially with the methodological projects supervised by Prof. Dr. Oliver Speck (Magdeburg).

Your responsibilities:

· Participate in the development of acquisition protocols for high resolution fMRI of the medial temporal lobe (MTL).

· Play a leading role in the first travelling heads study to obtain and benchmark laminar fMRI data.

· Develop analysis methods to obtain laminar activation profiles and identify their relationship with histological boundaries.

· Demonstrate and validate connectivity analyses for layer-to-layer connectivity patterns within and between cortical regions.

· Share and develop analysis pipelines with the other projects in the Research Unit.

Your profile:

· A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Biomedical Engineering or a related discipline.

· Some prior knowledge of MRI methods would be an advantage.

· Interest in functional neuroimaging

· Fluent in English, both spoken and written, including scientific writing skills. Spoken German would be advantageous but is not necessary.

· Good team player who can work well in an interdisciplinary environment. Capable of working independently in a structured and flexible manner. Strong organizational skills, and the ability to communicate within the team and to present to the outside world.

We offer you:

· Friendly working atmosphere in a professional team on the historic grounds of the industrial monument and UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein in the northeastern city of Essen

· A diverse, multifaceted field of activity

· Further education and training opportunities

· Flexible working hours within the framework of existing working time models and the option to work from home

· Family-friendly environment with childcare options

· Advice on family caregiving responsibilities

· Attractive sports and wellness programs (university sports)

· 30 days annual leave with a 5-day week

Begin of employment:            01.01.2027 (Subject to the approval of the funder)

Contract duration:                  4 years (project duration)

Working time:                         75 % of a full-time position (29h 52min)

Application deadline:              30.09.2026

Please send your application with the usual documents, quoting the reference number 350-26 to Prof. Dr. David Norris, ELH, E-Mail: david.norris@uni-due.de.

For further information on the advertised position, please also contact Prof. Dr. David Norris

Further details and application via: https://www.uni-due.de/karriere/stelle-rar.php?kennziffer=350-26