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.
The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.
The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Applications (including a cover letter describing your research interests and a curriculum vitae, without a photo) should be sent as a single PDF file to Sekretariat Prof. Dr. Ulman Lindenberger
seklindenberger@mpib-berlin.mpg.de with the subject "Application Predoc Position Mice & Men". Please submit applications by
June 15th, 2019,
to ensure consideration.