Postdoctoral Researcher in Event Segmentation and Laminar 7T fMRI for Alzheimer’s Disease
Explore neural mechanisms of memory segmentation using cutting-edge 7T fMRI and multivariate analysis in Alzheimer’s research.
Best for:Best for postdoctoral researchers with a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, or related fields, skilled in fMRI data analysis, multivariate methods, and willing to contribute to translational Alzheimer’s research.
Overview
This postdoctoral position at the Helmholtz Association’s Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience group focuses on investigating how the brain segments everyday experiences into meaningful episodes, a process disrupted early in Alzheimer’s disease. Led by Dr. David Berron, the project combines ultra-high-field (7T) laminar fMRI, naturalistic movie-based paradigms, and advanced multivariate analysis to map event segmentation at subfield and layer resolution across healthy adults and early Alzheimer’s patients. The role involves data acquisition, neuroimaging analysis, collaboration with a multi-site consortium, and mentoring student assistants. Ideal candidates should have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging expertise, and strong programming skills in R/Python.
What you'll do
- Acquire and analyze 7T laminar fMRI data using naturalistic movie-based event segmentation paradigms
- Segment medial temporal lobe (MTL) subregions and hippocampal subfields (e.g., using ASHS) and define cortical layer compartments
- Apply univariate and multivariate (representational similarity analysis) methods to characterize event boundary activity and temporal pattern separation
- Compare findings across young adults, cognitively healthy older adults, and early-stage Alzheimer’s patients from Magdeburg and Essen
- Co-supervise student assistants and contribute to manuscript preparation and conference presentations
- Collaborate with a multi-site consortium (DFG Research Unit 'Layers of Memory') and international partners
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, or a related field
Language: English; fluent in written and spoken English (German is a strong plus, not required)
Instruction: English
Publications: Track record of peer-reviewed publications (explicitly mentioned as a requirement)
- Experience with (f)MRI data analysis, preferably with ultra-high-field (7T) or laminar imaging
- Familiarity with MTL/hippocampal subfield anatomy and segmentation techniques
- Strong programming skills in R, Python, and/or MATLAB
- Knowledge of multivariate analysis methods (e.g., representational similarity analysis)
- Track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields
- Ability to work collaboratively in a distributed, multi-site research environment
- No formal eligibility restrictions beyond PhD completion
- Open to candidates from diverse academic backgrounds
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-14
Submit a CV, a short motivation letter, and two references via the Nature Careers application portal. For further inquiries, contact Dr. David Berron at david.berron@dzne.de.
- CV
- Motivation letter
- Two reference letters
Contact
David Berron· Principal Investigator
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