Monday, November 7, 2011

PhD position in Cognitive Neuroscience ,Giessen,Germany

We invite applications for a PhD project on incentive motivation in
the Biological Psychology group at the Department of Psychology of the
University of Giessen, Germany. The position is in accordance with
German federal law (§ 2 WissZeitVG and § 65 HHG).

The project will investigate how motivational stimuli are processed in
the human dopaminergic system and how these processes affect
cognition, in particular long-term memory and decision-making. The
work involves fMRI, genetic analysis and psychopharmacology.
Interested candidates are encouraged to develop computational
modelling skills. Additional duties include teaching an undergraduate
seminar on biological psychology (2 h/week, approx. 30 weeks/calendar
year, according to state law). Research and teaching duties are in
accordance with German federal law (§ 65 HHG).

The department offers a research-dedicated MRI scanner with peripheral
physiology equipment, EEG facilities and access to a genetics lab
through local collaboration. We encourage research visits at
collaborating institutes abroad.

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a Master’s (or
equivalent) degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology or a related
field and with a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience.
Proficiency in English is expected; programming skills in Matlab and
experience with fMRI are an advantage.

The position is funded for 1 year (50% TV-H 13 if requirements are
met), with the possibility of extension for 2 more years, from
December 2011 (starting date is flexible). The University of Giessen
is seeking to increase the number of women in academic research; women
are therefore strongly encouraged to apply. The action plan for women
and work requires the university to increase the proportion of female
staff. Justus Liebig University is a family-friendly university.
Applicants with children are welcome.

Please send your CV, transcripts or degree certificates, a brief
statement of research interests and contact details of two referees to
the President of the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Erwin-Stein-
Building, Goethestrasse 58, 35390 Giessen under file number
575/48216/06. The deadline for applications is 17 Nov 2011. Please
send a copy by e-mail to Prof. Dr. Bianca Wittmann at
bianca.wittmann@psychol.uni-giessen.de. Applications of eligible,
fully qualified disabled people will be prioritized.

For further details, please contact Bianca Wittmann:
Phone +49-641-9926 160, E-mail bianca.wittmann@psychol.uni-giessen.de