PhD in neuroscience (human and non-human primate connectivity and function)

Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany; Magdeburg; Vor Ort; EUR 30.000 - 35.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious university in Germany is offering a Ph.D. position in neuroscience focusing on human and non-human primate connectivity. The successful candidate will engage in cutting-edge research on neuronal interactions using advanced neuroimaging techniques. Responsibilities include investigating neural connections related to ADHD and applying innovative stimulation methods in both human and non-human subjects. Candidates should possess a strong background in neuroscience and experience with MRIs and DTI.

Qualifikationen

• Experience with neuroimaging techniques such as DTI and MRI.
• Strong background in neuroscience research.
• Ability to work with non-human primates.

Aufgaben

• Explore neuronal interactions using neuroimaging data.
• Investigate circuits related to ADHD and intervention methods.
• Characterize brain regions and connectivity in various subjects.

Kenntnisse

Neurophysiology

MRI techniques

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Ausbildung

Master's degree in Neuroscience or related field

Jobbeschreibung

PhD in neuroscience (human and non-human primate connectivity and function)

Position: Ph.D. Student

Deadline: 21 January 2026

Employment Start Date: 1 March 2026

Contract Length: 3 years

City: Magdeburg

Country: Germany

Institution: Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany

Department: Sensory Physiology

Description:

The Sensory Physiology Department (Prof. Kristine Krug) in the Faculty of Natural Sciences investigates how neuronal interactions shape perceptual decisions in primates. She researches the relationship between neurons, circuits and behaviour in Rhesus monkeys and humans, with methods including cellular neurophysiology, high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cutting-edge brain intervention methods, including ultrasound and electrical micro-stimulation. Prof. Kerstin Krauel’s group in the Faculty of Medicine investigates the neural basis of ADHD and potential non-invasive intervention methods, like transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). This collaborative project is funded by the Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) as part of the Deutsche Zentrum für psychische Gesundheit (DZPG).

In order to use transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in children, adolescents, and young adults in a targeted manner and with few side effects, the structural and functional connections of the brain networks to be stimulated must be precisely understood. In this project, we aim to improve our understanding of the circuitry and functional organization and connectivity of the rIFG to establish targeted and optimized stimulation (tDCS) protocols that lead to sustained clinical improvement.

The successful candidate will exploit DTI and structural MRI data of ADHD and typically developed children and adolescents to characterize parcellation of the rIFG in these samples as well as in non-human primates and will investigate how well rIFg parcellation in the developing human brain map onto rIFG parcellation in the primate brain. The candidate will use focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) to stimulate rIFG clusters in order to identify associated networks within resting state fMRI data. The opportunity to investigate non-human primates will allow the testing of a larger parameter space to get a clearer picture on timing issues in stimulation and how neuroplasticity can be optimally achieved.

PhD in neuroscience (human and non-human primate connectivity and function)
Leipziger Str. 44/haus 91, 39120 Magdeburg-Leipziger Straße, Germany