Doctoral Researchers/PhD Positions

The positions are offered for a period of 3 years, if no former times of qualification must be considered. The starting date is as soon as possible. The positions are part-time (65 % of regular working hours) with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65 %).

The research group assesses learning-related changes in the structure and function of the human brain across development, with a specific focus on changes in white matter myelin content. Using an innovative two-pronged approach that combines local longitudinal studies with the analysis of large-scale open data, we will probe the entire developmental lifespan to show how myelin changes as infants learn to crawl, when children enter school, and when children, young adults, and older adults are acquiring the same novel skills (juggling and reading Chinese). This ambitious developmental focus will be transformative for our understanding of the interactions between maturational and learning-related changes in myelin.

Tasks:

• plan, carry out and analyze MRI experiments
• MRI data collection, including from infants and/or children
• prepare publications
• present research findings at conferences
• contribute to international collaborations

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies to § 2, 1 WissZeitVG.

Profile:

• MSc-degree or equivalent in Neuroscience, Psychology, Computer Science or related fields
• skilled in scientific programming in either matlab or python
• excellent written and verbal English Language skills
• ideally experience with MRI data collection and analysis
• experience and interest in working with developmental populations (infants and/or children)
• eagerness to learn new techniques and to expand your quantitative and programming skills

Disposition to own scientific qualification (e. g. a doctorate project in the area of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience) is expected.

We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

We offer:

• The opportunity to acquire cutting-edge MRI techniques, such as functional, diffusion and quantitative MRI
• a larger research network, with excellent links to scientists in Europe and the US
• a successful team that is funded, among others, by an ERC starting grant and a LOEWE Professorship
• location in a beautiful university town, located just 90 km north of Frankfurt, right in the heart of Germany
• career development support
• ticket for free use of public transport in the state Hesse, Germany
• Family Service, sports programs at the University Sports Center etc.

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by 17th August 2025 using the application-button below.