The Center for Lifespan Psychology is seeking applications for a

Predoctoral Research Position

(E 13/2 TVöD; 39 hours/week)

The doctoral fellowship will last for three years. The position is available from August 1st, 2019, or later.

Job description
The successful candidate will be given the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative translational project involving the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (MPIB; PIs: Simone Kühn and Ulman Lindenberger) in Berlin, the MPI of Neurobiology (MPIN; PI: Tobias Bonhoeffer), located near Munich, and the MPI for Psychiatry (MPIP; PI: Carsten Wotjak) in Munich. The project will use motor-skill learning to relate training-induced changes in brain volume in humans (MPIB) and mice (MPIP) to changes at the cellular level in mice (MPIN). The successful candidate will work primarily with human participants at MPIB, and is expected to visit the Munich sites to participate in harmonizing experimental procedures across sites. In humans, particular attention will be given to tracking behavioral, volumetric, neurochemical, and functional changes over time. The successful candidate will be supervised by Simone Kühn (Lise-Meitner Group leader) and Ulman Lindenberger (Director of the Center for Lifespan Psychology) at MPIB, which offers a welcoming and international working atmosphere, and has access to a research-only 3-Tesla MR scanner. In addition, a large community of Berlin neuroscientists and psychologists provides great opportunities for scientific exchange. For informal inquiries and further information, please contact Simone Kühn (kuehn@mpib-berlin.mpg.de).

Requirements
We are searching for a predoc with a strong interest in brain plasticity and human development. Applicants need to hold a Master's or diploma degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or related fields. Applicants should have experience with experimental studies, a strong background in statistical analysis, and prior knowledge and practical experience with MRI methods. Prior experience in studies with humans (or animals), good programming skills (e.g. Matlab/R/Python/shell), the ability to work independently, and proficiency in English are required. Proficiency in German is not required.