Research Associate (PhD Student)

This PhD position is available immediately for an initial period of up to three years, with potential for extension. The position is compensated according to the collective agreement for the public service of the Länder (TV-L), with eligibility for salary group E13 TV-L (implemented as part-time employment) based on candidate qualifications.

The Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences at the Medical Faculty of TU-Dresden invites applications for a Reasearch Associate (PhD) within the Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section. The group's research focuses on the biological mechanisms that promote the development and maintenance of eating and weight disorders, assessed through cutting-edge neuroimaging techniques such as MRI, along with neurophysiological, neuropsychological, and biochemical methods, as well as ecological momentary assessment. Additional ongoing projects since 2010 include research on autism, affective disorders, and schizophrenia. Importantly, our team places a strong emphasis on data science, applying multivariate techniques such as machine learning and computational models to interpret complex behavioral data and connect them to their neurobiological underpinnings. For more information, please visit our website oder transdenlab.de. 

Potential research projects may involve the study of cognitive, affective, and metabolic mechanisms underlying eating disorders, utilizing structural and functional MRI data. Many of these projects are part of large international collaborations under the Eating Disorders Working Group within the ENIGMA Consortium, where the principal investigator is a co-leader. This position offers a unique opportunity for the selected candidate to engage in short-term research stays abroad and collaborate with world-renowned neuroimaging experts, including the central ENIGMA team at USC, Los Angeles. In addition to analyzing data, the candidate will also coordinate the analysis of data from other participating sites within the ENIGMA consortium. More details about the consortium and its projects can be found at the website. The successful candidate will present research results at international conferences and publish them in high-impact scientific journals.

In addition to research, the selected candidate will support the supervision of interns and medical students within the project. The candidate will have access to multiple learning and training opportunities through the International Research Training Group (IRTG) 2773 and Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 393, in which the working group is involved. If desired, participation in structured graduate programs, such as those offered by the Graduate Academy, is also possible. The position provides the opportunity for further scientific training, leading to the completion of a doctorate (PhD), and the acquisition of expertise in medical psychology, with the possibility of contributing to teaching within human medicine.

Requirements:

• A Master’s or Diploma degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Biomedicine, Physics, Computer Science, or Engineering
• Proficiency in advanced statistical methods
• Basic programming skills, such as Linux shell scripting, Python, R, or MATLAB
• Previous research experience, ideally reflected in publications as a first or co-author
• Previous knowledge in neurosciences or neurobiology, and experience with imaging data analysis (e.g., FSL, SPM, FreeSurfer) is advantageous but not required
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
• Fluency in English, and at least basic German to communicate with non-scientific staff, patients, and students
• Strong personal commitment and a genuine interest in pursuing an academic career

We offer:

• Meaningful work at a prominent medical research, teaching and patient care facility
• Exciting research projects that take medical technology to the next level
• Flat hierarchies with the chance to take on responsibility right from the start
• Opportunity for daily learning and professional development
• Conditions for an excellent work-life-balance and a team that truly supports it
• Childcare through partnerships with children's facilities in the vicinity of the university hospital
• JobTicket for public transport
• Use of the on-campus fitness studio

Your contact in the HR Directorate

Helene Feiereis

Mail:helene.feiereis@ukdd.de

Tel: 0351-458 2594