MRI postdoc position in cognitive neuroscience of language

University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; Italia; On-site; EUR 33,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral position in cognitive neuroscience of language, starting January 2027. The role is part of the ERC READy project, led by Prof.

Sendy Caffarra, focusing on linking brain structure to reading behavior, with opportunities for teaching and supervision. Ideal candidates have a PhD in Neuroscience or related fields, strong dMRI expertise, and programming skills in Python and R.

Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience or related field.
• Strong expertise in diffusion MRI (dMRI) methods for reading processing.
• Programming experience in Python and R.
• Experience with HPC systems and statistical modeling (LMMs, Bayesian).
• Excellent written and oral communication; ability to present to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Carry out cognitive neuroscience of language postdoctoral research.
• Contribute to the ERC Consolidator READy project and READy consortium.
• Develop and apply multi-method data analyses and reporting.
• Engage in teaching, supervision of junior researchers and grant-related activities.

Skills

dMRI methods

Programming (Python, R)

Statistical methods (LMMs, Bayesian)

Excellent written & oral communication

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

Python

R

Job description

Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences

Organisation/Company University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Department Dept. Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences Research Field Neurosciences » Neuropsychology Psychological sciences » Cognitive science Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 3 Nov 2026 - 13:00 (Europe/Rome) Country Italy Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Reference Number ERC-2025-COG READy (grant agreement number: 101229459) Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) will open a two-year postdoctoral position in cognitive neuroscience of language, with appointment expected to begin in January 2027. These positions will be part of the ERC Consolidator project READy “Connecting human brain structure to function within the READing circuitry”, which aims to reach a deeper understanding of reading behavior by linking structural and functional properties of the brain. The project is led by Prof. Sendy Caffarra, a cognitive neuroscientist of language with a research focus on reading-related changes in the brain and behavior.

Ideal candidates should have a PhD in Neuroscience or related fields and will either have strong expertise in dMRI methods applied to the study of reading processing in both children and adults. Knowledge of Italian is desirable but not essential. A good foundation in programming (Python, R), HPC systems, and statistical methods (e.g., LMMs, Bayesian approaches) would also be an asset. The postdoctoral researchers are expected to take an active role in the conceptual development of the project, show excellent written and oral communication skills, as evidenced by publications and conference presentations, and convey complex scientific concepts to specialist and non-specialist audiences. Opportunities for teaching, supervision of junior researchers and involvement in grant-related activities will also be available. The position offers advanced training in multi-method data integration, within a highly interdisciplinary research environment.

The contract is full-time with a salary ranging from € 33,000 to € 39,000/year gross depending on the candidates’ track records. Researchers relocating to Italy from abroad may be eligible for the Italian tax incentive (“Rientro dei Cervelli”), under which 90% of qualifying employment income is exempt from Italian income tax for an initial period of six years.

The project will be based at the Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences in Unimore (Modena, Italy), which hosts multidisciplinary research bridging basic sciences, clinical medicine and cognitive neuroscience. MRI and EEG facilities are available. Unimore is a historic university founded in 1175 and has a long research tradition in the domains of neuropsychology and medical sciences. Located in the heart of both the Biomedical Valley and the Italian Motor Valley, it is a major driver of cutting-edge innovations in biomedical devices, informatics and computer science, with implications across a wide range of disciplines, including education and clinical practice. The project will be part of an international collaboration network including Stanford University, the University of Washington and the University of Zurich.