PhD Position - Multi-Modal Models of Human Brain Development, Function and Cognition

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH; Jülich; On-site; EUR 47,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful tasks

Training support

Campus experience

Work-life balance

Vacation days

Fixed-term contract

Remuneration TVöD-Bund

Job summary

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH invites applications for a PhD position in Multi-Modal Models of Human Brain Development, Function and Cognition. The role focuses on growth modelling of neurodevelopment using machine learning, with exposure to MRI and EEG data and post-mortem samples.

You will work within a cross-disciplinary team to advance cognitive neuroscience theory and methods. The successful candidate will hold a Master in neuroscience or related field, be proficient in Python or Matlab,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in neuroscience or a related field.
• Extensive experience with programming (Python or Matlab).
• Highly proficient in English (C1 level) with formal certificate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Generate growth models of human neurodevelopment using unsupervised and supervised learning.
• Optimize leaning models to predict clinical phenotypes and cognitive maturation from brain development.
• Work with diverse imaging modalities (structural, diffusion-weighted, functional MRI, intracranial EEG).
• Develop MRI analysis toolboxes.
• Produce high-quality scientific articles efficiently.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, computer scientists and clinicians.

Skills

Python/Matlab

English C1

Neuroscience passion

Education

Master's degree in neuroscience or related

Job description

PhD Position - Multi-Modal Models of Human Brain Development, Function and Cognition

We are seeking a PhD student fellow to join the Multiscale Neurodevelopment team in the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine - Brain and Behaviour (INM-7). The Multiscale Neurodevelopment team studies the maturation of cortical architecture, connectivity and functional dynamics across early life. Using multiscale frameworks in combination with computational modelling, we aim to better understand cognitive maturation and psychiatric illness. Theis position involves in vivo MRI and EEG as well as post mortem brain samples and it is suitable for a researcher that aspires to work at the cutting edge of computational neuroscience.

Your Job

• Generating growth models of human neurodevelopment, using unsupervised and supervised learning approaches
• Optimising leaning models to predict clinical phenotypes and cognitive maturation from brain development
• Working with a broad range of imaging modalities (e.g. structural, diffusion-weighted and functional MRI, intracranial EEG)
• Development of MRI analysis toolboxes
• Efficient production of high-quality scientific articles
• Close cooperation with an interdisciplinary team of neuroscientists, computer scientists and clinicians

Your Profile

• Excellent university degree (Master) in neuroscience or a related field of study
• Extensive experience with programming (Python or Matlab)
• Passionate about human neuroanatomy and cognitive neuroscience
• Highly advanced and flexible command of written and spoken English is required (at least C1 level according to the CEFR: https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level

Our Benefits for You

• Meaningful tasks: Become a team member of a highly motivated team, embedded with an international and interdisciplinary working environment at one of Europe’s largest research establishments
• Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support
• Campus experience: Our research campus in the countryside creates ideal conditions for collegial exchange and sporting activities right on site. Our cafeteria offers a wide range of options—you can enjoy a relaxing lunch break with a lake view
• Work-life balance: Optimal conditions for balancing work and private life, as well as a family-friendly company policy. The option of flexible working (in terms of location) is generally available after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
• Vacation: You will receive 30 days of vacation plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)
• Fixed-term:The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years
• Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 (65 %) of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the BMI website. The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 74 of the PDF download
• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

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.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: https://go.fzj.de/equality and on specific support options for women: https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (65%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled

Index number: 2026D-0742