Description:

The Collaborative Research Center 1436 " Neural Resources of Cognition – Unlocking the Full Cognitive Potential of the Brain ” in Magdeburg offer a PhD position (E13 / 65%) in our sub-project A04 "Cognitive enhancement by the anti-aging protein Klotho – From molecular mechanisms to interventions” under the supervision of Prof. Emrah Düzel. Details of the project can be found at www.sfb1436.de .

CRC 1436 is an integrative center established recently in Magdeburg, Germany, by the Otto von Guericke University, the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and the Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN). It is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) – SFB-1436 – Project-ID 425899996.

The innovative research program of the CRC deals with the fundamental question of what are the neurobiological principles that constitute and limit neural resources of cognition and constrain the potential to fully utilize or to even increase these resources. Using intervention-based research projects in humans and animal models, we aim to understand individual variability, including aging and superaging, and transferrable enhancement of cognitive functions. We will consider important modifiers such as tau- and amyloid-pathology, sleep deprivation and vascular reserve. We will utilize a wide range of cutting-edge and unique imaging technologies.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Cognitive Neuroscience, Biology, Computational Neuroscience, Psychology)
• This PhD candidate will perform and analyse behavioural, fMRI and biochemical studies in humans
• Interest in cognitive neuroscience and neuroimaging as well as their integration with molecular and cellular readouts.
• Good knowledge of statistics and programming (e.g., R, Matlab, or Python).
• Proficiency in English and German (minimum B2 level in both languages).

What We Offer

• A dynamic, collaborative research environment within the CRC 1436 and its graduate program
• Access to state-of-the-art imaging facilities and interdisciplinary expertise
• Mentorship and training in advanced neuroimaging techniques and statistical analyses
• The position is available from 01.07.2025 and the funding for up to 3,5 years (until maximum 12/2028).

How to Apply

Please send the following documents as a single PDF to Julia.roediger@med.ovgu.de

1. A cover letter detailing your motivation and research experience.
2. CV, including publications (if applicable).
3. Contact information of two references.

Application from qualified researchers are due April 25th, 2025. For further information, please contact Dr. Julia Rödiger (Julia.roediger@med.ovgu.de).

The Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It therefore encourages women with according qualifications to apply. Applications from persons with a certified serious disability will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg Universitätsplatz 2 39106 Magdeburg Germany

Email: Julia.roediger@med.ovgu.de