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

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

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