2 PhD positions in sleep and neuroplasticity research
The Behavioral Neurobiology group (Prof. Dr. Steffen Gais) at the Institute of Medical Psychology,
University of Tübingen is looking for two PhD students (E13 TV-L, 65%, temporary contract, f/m/d).
Our research focusses on the relationship between sleep and neuronal plasticity, with a focus on
memory systems consolidation in humans. How are memories reactivated during sleep, and what are
the underlying neural mechanisms? How do the different memory systems interact and what
determines where in the brain information is stored? What is the role of neuromodulators like
noradrenaline? To answer these questions, we combine different behavioral paradigms with
neuroimaging like functional and diffusion-weighted MRI, combined EEG-MRI or MEG, and with
multivariate analysis techniques such as machine learning. For more information about our research,
please visit www.gaislab.info.
The first open position is part of a project investigating the role of noradrenaline for memory encoding
during the wake-sleep transition. Applicants should have a Master's degree in psychology,
neuroscience, or cognitive science. Good statistical skills, basic knowledge of Matlab or Python, and
fluency in German and English are required. Experience with the collection and analysis of MRI, EEG
or MEG data is desirable.
The second open position focusses on the analysis of neuroimaging data for the detection of memory
reactivation during sleep and the further development of the application of machine learning in the
context of scientific hypothesis testing. Applicants should have a Master's degree in Data Science,
Machine Learning, Engineering, or related areas. Knowledge of multivariate methods like
(un)supervised learning, support vector machines, convolutional neural networks, cluster- or factor
analysis is required. Experience in signal processing, e.g. of EEG or MEG data, is desirable.
The PhD candidate can join the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience (GTC, www.neuroschool-
tuebingen.de), and it is possible to apply for a spot in the prestigious International Max Planck
Research School "The Mechanisms of Mental Function and Dysfunction".
We offer remuneration in accordance with TV-L (collective agreement for the public service of the
German Federal States) as well as all benefits customary in the public sector. Severely handicapped
persons with equal qualifications are given preferential consideration. The University of Tübingen aims
to increase the proportion of women among its academic staff and therefore strongly encourages
women to apply. The Administration of the University Hospital is responsible for all employment
matters. Personnel appointments will be made pursuant to the fundamental stipulations of the legal
statutes for universities in Germany. Before taking up an acitivity, the following requirements must be
met in accordance with § 23a in conjunction with § 20 Abs. 9 Infektionsschutzgesetz (IfSG) a sufficient
vaccination protection or an immunity against measles must be proven (scope of application birth
cohorts as of 01.01.1971) as well as a valid vaccination certificate against the coronavirus SARS-COV-
2 according to § 20a Abs. 2 IfSG must be available. Interview expenses are not covered.
Please send your application documents (German or English) as a single PDF file to Dr. Svenja Brodt
(svenja.brodt@uni-tuebingen.de) by March 15, 2022.