Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) – Event Segmentation and Laminar 7T fMRI in Alzheimer’s Disease in Magdeburg

Job Description

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) – Event Segmentation and Laminar 7T fMRI in Alzheimer’s Disease

Code: 4069/2026/9

Full time, 4 years

Site: Magdeburg

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a globally leading, internationally oriented research institution dedicated to discovering new approaches for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Your role in detail

Join the Clinical Cognitive Neuroscience group, led by Dr. David Berron. Our research spans the functional architecture of human memory and the medial temporal lobe, how Alzheimer’s pathology disrupts these systems from the earliest disease stages onward, and the development of disease-stage-specific imaging and and digital cognitive markers.

This position is part of the DFG Research Unit "Layers of Memory" (subproject P7), a consortium spanning Bochum, Bonn, Dortmund, Duisburg-Essen, Magdeburg, and Tübingen, plus partner sites in the Netherlands and Austria.

• Acquiring and analyzing 7T laminar fMRI data using a naturalistic movie-based event segmentation paradigm
• Segmenting MTL subregions and hippocampal subfields (e.g., using ASHS) and defining cortical layer compartments
• Applying univariate and multivariate (representational similarity) analyses to characterize event boundary activity and temporal pattern separation / completion
• Comparing findings across young adults, cognitively healthy older adults, and people in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease recruited in Magdeburg and Essen
• Co-supervising student assistants
• Preparing manuscripts and presenting results at international conferences

Your profile in cutting edge research

• PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroscience, or a related field
• Passion for neuroimaging and neuropsychology and a genuine interest in the neural basis of memory and cognitive impairment in early-stage neurodegenerative disease, particularly through naturalistic, translational research approaches
• Experience with (f)MRI data analysis; prior work with ultra-high-field (7T) or laminar imaging is a strong plus
• Experience with MTL / hippocampal subfield anatomy and segmentation or willingness to learn these pipelines quickly
• Strong programming skills (R, Python, and/or MATLAB) and familiarity with multivariate analysis methods (e.g., RSA)
• Good communication skills and ability to work both within a local and a distributed, multi-site team
• Track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Fluency in written and spoken English; German is a strong plus, not a requirement

Candidates who meet most, but not all, of these points are still encouraged to apply.

Your Benefits

• Innovation and internationality – a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools, and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Focus on development – training programs tailored to your individual needs and annual HR-development meetings for concrete prospects and potential development
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programs, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Work-life balance – we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, 30 days' holiday (on top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidized job / Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture – because we know that family is important, we support you with our family service
• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund – including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits, and VBL supplementary pension scheme

Your application

Excellence in research thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences. We stand for a respectful and open culture. We promote equal opportunities, remove barriers, and welcome applications from people across all dimensions of diversity. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities.

Application deadline: October 31st, 2026