The research group of Prof. Dr. Katharina Henke at the Univertsity of Bern, Switzerland, examines conscious and unconscious information processing and episodic memory formation using fMRI, PET, EEG, and behavioral methods in brain damaged patients and healthy controls. They found that human hippocampus mediates the rapid establishment of new associations in memory, irrespective of whether learning and retrieval were carried out with or without consciousness of learning/retrieving. The group also studies episodic learning during deep sleep.
Conducting ultra high-field (7 T) magnetic resonance imaging of memory using functional, anatomical, and spectroscopic imaging in heathy and amnesic individuals. Applying brain stimulation. Collecting and evaluating EEG data during night sleep.
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral position at the University of Bern, Switzerland, in the memory and consciousness laboratory of Katharina Henke. The position covers four years. The postdoc will work on a large project with the title ‘Strengthening memory formation for retrieval despite amnesia”, which is funded by an Advanced Grant. The project involves ultra high-field (7 T) magnetic resonance imaging of memory at SITEM-Insel in Bern using functional, anatomical, and spectroscopic imaging in heathy and amnesic individuals. We manipulate the memory formation in healthy and amnesic individuals using brain stimulation to increase long-term potentiation. We trace the formed memory traces over time and we examine long-term memory consolidation during night sleep using EEG and decoding methods. I seek a highly talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher with a background in human memory research, in MRI methods or brain stimulation methods or sleep research. The candidate is expected to be fluent in programming (matlab, python, R) and comfortable using analysis toolboxes.
We offer excellent mentorship and academic advice, mutual scientific exchange, a competitive salary, work in a dynamic, ambitious and multidisciplinary team, flat hierarchy, good national and international collaborations, excellent research infrastructure and office space, intellectual freedom, high scientific standards, innovative research at the international cutting-edge. There are opportunities to pursue additional related research projects. International applicants are welcome. The starting date is flexible. Latest starting date is August 1, 2023.
Please email a CV, sample papers, a statement of interest and addresses for references to katharina.henke@unibe.ch.