Conducting research for a changing society: This is what drives us at Forschungszentrum Jülich. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, we aim to tackle the grand societal challenges of our time and conduct research into the possibilities of a digitized society, a climate-friendly energy system, and a resource-efficient economy. Work together with around 7,400 employees in one of Europe’s biggest research centers and help us to shape change!
Researchers at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - Cognitive Neuroscience (INM-3) investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive and motor (dys)function in healthy participants and patients suffering from neurological and psychiatric disorders. Functional imaging (PET, MRI) as well as behavioral and electrophysiological methods (EEG, TMS, tDCS) are combined with computational approaches. Here you can find out more about us:
https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/inm/inm-3. We are looking to recruit a PhD Student in Motor Neuroscience (m/w/d)
Activities and responsibilities
The successful candidate will be part of the Motor Cognition Group and will investigate the neural basis of normal motor behavior across the lifespan and the neural mechanisms underlying apraxia in stroke and dementia under the supervision of Prof. Peter H. Weiss-Blankenhorn:
https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/inm/inm-3/research/motor-cognition. This includes:
- Design, acquisition, and analysis of behavioral and neuroscientific data in healthy participants and neurological patients
- Presentation of the results on conferences and manuscript writing
- Interaction with team members and collaborators from Psychology, Medicine, and Computational Neuroscience in the framework of the CRC 1451 on motor control (https://www.crc1451.uni-koeln.de/)
Qualification profile
- Completed studies (diploma / master) in Motor or Cognitive (Neuro-)Science, Psychology, or a related discipline
- Affinity for programming, including demonstrable programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or R
- Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken)
- Intrinsic motivation, initiative, and ability to work independently
- Previous research experience with experimental methods or motor and cognitive neuroscience techniques (e.g. neuropsychological and motor assessments, EEG, fMRI, TMS, etc.) is desirable
We offer
We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:
- The opportunity to make a significant contribution to our understanding of motor control in health and disease using state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies under the guidance and supervision of experts in the field
- Multidisciplinary research environment that brings together experts from various disciplines including experimental psychology, medicine, computational modeling, and neuroscience
- Comprehensive training courses and individual opportunities for personal and professional further development
- Extensive company health management
- Ideal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly corporate policy
- A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
- Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses, a structured program of continuing education, and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
- Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
The position is for a fixed term of three years. Pay will be in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60% of a monthly salary as special payment (“Christmas bonus”). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including our other locations, is available at
https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs. We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic, and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities, in which everyone can realize their potential, is important to us.
We look forward to receiving your application by September 18, 2024, via our
Online Recruitment System: https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/karriere/stellenangebote/2024D-080?apply!