 |
 |
PhD position on ultra-high field neuroimaging and spatial navigation The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE, www.dzne.de/en) is a center of excellence within the Helmholtz Association that performs translational research on Neurodegenerative Diseases. The center includes nine high-performing sites in Berlin, Bonn, Dresden, Göttingen, Magdeburg, Munich, Rostock/Greifswald, Tübingen and Witten. One 4-year PhD position (co-supervised by Dr. Jonathan Shine) is available in the Aging & Cognition research group (www.wolberslab.net) headed by Prof. Thomas Wolbers. In this project, we aim to characterise mechanisms of spatial coding in humans, and examine how disturbances to this system impact upon spatial navigation abilities in older adults. Using a combination of cutting‐edge interactive virtual reality systems and ultra-high field neuroimaging, you will help develop paradigms investigating fundamental navigational mechanisms and use computational models of rodent electrophysiology to generate novel predictions of spatial coding in humans. Importantly, the successful candidate will be encouraged to develop their own research interests, and, if desired, they can be involved in teaching activities. In addition to hosting research dedicated 3T and 7T MRI scanners, the Magdeburg site of the DZNE, where the group is based, provides access to mobile EEG, MEG, TMS and eyetracking systems. Furthermore, the Aging and Cognition lab has a range of cutting-edge virtual reality setups, and it entertains multiple collaborations with collaborators in Europe and in the United States. Finally, Magdeburg offers a unique intellectual environment, because spatial navigation is a core theme investigated across several animal and human research groups. For this position, a strong interest in cognitive aging is important, and excellent statistical skills are a plus. Furthermore, you will have, or be in the final stages of, a BSc/MSc/PhD in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging methods or applied statistics. Ideally, you should also possess computer programming skills (e.g. in Python, Matlab). You will be thorough, efficient, a good communicator, and enjoy working as part of an international and dynamic team. For further information about this unique opportunity, please email Thomas Wolbers ([log in to unmask]). To learn more about our research, please visit our website (www.wolberslab.net<http://www.wolberslab.net>) and follow us on Twitter (@WolbersLab). Further reading: Shine, J., Valdes-Herrera, J.P., Hegarty, M. & Wolbers, T. (2016). The Human Retrosplenial Cortex and Thalamus Code Head in a Global Reference Frame. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(24):6371-6381. Stangl, M., Achtzehn, J., Huber, K., Dietrich, C., Tempelmann, C., & Wolbers, T. (2018). Compromised grid-cell-like representations in old age as a key mechanism to explain age-related navigational deficits. Current Biology, 28(7), 1108–1115. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prof. Dr. Thomas Wolbers Aging & Cognition Research Group German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg Leipziger Str. 44 39120 Magdeburg GERMANY -- phone: +49-391-67-24519<tel://+49-391-67-24519> email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> website: www.wolberslab.net<http://www.wolberslab.net/> Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/WolbersLab<http://www.twitter.com/WolbersLab> -------------------------------------------------------------------------