Doctoral Candidate (PhD student position) / DC5 for MSCA Doctoral Network “Brain Health in Meno[...]

Eberhard Karls University Tübingen; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading German university is offering a funded PhD position focusing on the effects of menopausal hormone therapy on mental health in women. This role involves conducting neuroimaging studies using fMRI and requires a Master's in a relevant field. Strong skills in programming and lab-based experiments are desirable. The position starts in February 2026, with applications accepted until November 30, 2025.

Leistungen

Fully funded MSCA fellowship

International training opportunities

Participation in conferences

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree or equivalent required.
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Aufgaben

• Conduct a neuroimaging study with fMRI.
• Examine the impact of MHT on emotion regulation.
• Collaborate with the Women’s Clinic for participant measurements.

Kenntnisse

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Statistical analysis

Experimental lab skills

Programming (Python, R, Matlab)

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Division for Women's Mental Health & Brain Function

Organisation/Company Eberhard Karls University Tübingen Department Division for Women's Mental Health & Brain Function Research Field Neurosciences Psychological sciences Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 30 Nov 2025 - 18:00 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Reference Number MenoBrain-DC5 Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101227102 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division for Women's Mental Health & Brain Function at University Tübingen, Germany offers a PhD position for a doctoral candidate/MSCA fellow for the project: “The effect of bioidentical MHT on ER as a transdiagnostic factor for mental health in women during menopause transition. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled fMRI study.” The position is part of the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network MenoBrain “Brain Health in Menopausal Women” with full-time employment for a duration of 3 years, starting in February 2026.

Objective of the project: This neuroimaging study aims to examine whether body-identical menopausal hormone therapy influences behavioral and neural mechanisms of emotion regulation in perimenopausal women, addressing a gap in systematic evidence regarding mood symptoms and brain changes during this transitional stage. The proposed project will target this gap in research by providing insights into the impact of combined body identical MHT during perimenopause on ER from a multidimensional perspective. We will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to measure functional activation during an emotion regulation paradigm. Besides, females will also undergo a resting-state measurement, diffusion tensor imaging and an anatomical scan. In collaboration with the Women’s Clinic, menopausal hormone therapy will be started and participants will be measured before the start of and three months after hormonal therapy start. Eventually, this multidimensional approach on the effect of body identical MHT on behavioural and neural ER during perimenopause will advance our understanding of a transdiagnostic factor for mental health and provide critical guidance for future prevention and intervention strategies during this female hormonal transition period.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Neurosciences Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

We expect a Master´s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences or a related field. Candidates should have a strong interest in psychoneuroendocrinology, enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research, and strong skills in experimental set‑ups/performing lab‑based studies and statistics. Programming skills (Python, R, Matlab) and experience with MRI data analysis are desirable. Furthermore, the applicant should be able to work both independently and in a team. Very good language skills in English are required.

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Research Field NeurosciencesPsychological sciences

Additional Information

We offer a fully funded MSCA fellowship with network‑wide training weeks, summer schools, international conference participation, and interdisciplinary training through secondments (Uppsala, Oslo).

Salary and allowances are provided according to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funding rules, including mobility and, if applicable, family allowances.

Eligibility criteria

MSCA eligibility (must-have): At the time of recruitment, candidates must be in the first four years of their research career, must not hold a doctoral degree, and must not have resided in Germany or carried out their main activity (work or study) there for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date.

Selection process

Selection process: Interested candidates please send a motivation letter, a CV including publications (if available), copies of university degrees and courses (including obtained grades), and the names and e‑mail addresses of two scientists who can provide references (all summarized in one pdf) to [e-mail] . Please indicate the DC position (DC5) you apply for. Applications that do not meet the profile and/or the above criteria cannot be considered. Preferential treatment will be given to applications received before November 30th, 2025.