Research associate (m/f/x) for the FOR 6027 "Layers of Memory", Subproject P2 "Precision neuroimagin

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25.89 hours/week = 65%) as of January 1st, 2027 (flexible), we are looking for one

Research associate (m/f/x) for the FOR 6027 "Layers of Memory", Subproject P2 "Precision neuroimaging of laminar activation in the MTL"

The Department of Neuropsychology investigates the neural basis of learning, memory, and spatial navigation in humans. We combine state-of-the-art methods of cognitive neuroscience (fMRI at 3T and 7T, intracranial EEG, human single cell recordings) with approaches from AI. A particular focus is the analysis of event-specific memory traces using multivariate analysis methods (e.g., representational similarity analysis and deep neural network models). Our long-term vision is to identify the neural traces of memories for specific events, their transformation during learning and memory consolidation, and their impairment in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. More information on our group can be found here: http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/neuropsy/indexE.htm A PhD position is available in the Department of Neuropsychology (head: Prof. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher) at the Faculty of Psychology, starting 01.01.2027[SA2.1]. This position is part of the Research Unit “Layers of Memory” (FOR 6027). The overarching aim of the Research Unit is to unravel the mesoscale organization of the human medial temporal lobe using laminar 7T MRI in order to obtain a more mechanistic understanding of the neural processes underlying human memory and spatial navigation. The Research Unit comprises eight projects across eight sites in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, bringing together complementary expertise from cognitive and clinical neuroscience and MR physics. The specific subproject of the open position will be jointly led by PIs Nikolai Axmacher (Ruhr University Bochum) and Oliver Speck (Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg). We will use a precision neuroimaging approach at the world-leading Terra.X Impulse Edition 7T MR scanner at OVGU Magdeburg in order to investigate the laminar activity profiles of episodic memory and spatial navigation. Both paradigms will be conducted in small groups of participants across many hours, resulting in datasets with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity that will serve as benchmarks for the assessment of laminar activity differences in the MTL.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, or a related field and strong programming and statistical skills to carry out the proposed project.

• Scope: part-time
• Duration: fixed-term, 4 years
• Start: as of January 1st, 2027 (flexible)
• Apply by: 2026-10-19

Your tasks:

• •Development of experimental paradigms
• •Acqusition of MRI data
• •Analysis and publication of MRI data
• •Close collaboration with PIs and ECRs from other subprojects

Your profile:

• •Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science or a related field
• •Strong programming and statistical skills
• •Prior experience with fMRI is an advantage
• •Working independently, in a structured manner, and with a focus on results
• •Enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers

[https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/83b94a138be38f7d850c6984774c922c9a9a5d240?ref=AfA](https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/83b94a138be38f7d850c6984774c922c9a9a5d240?ref=AfA)