Postdoc/PhD positions in Hamburg on attentional modulation of affective expectation effects
Research project
Placebo effects in antidepressant treatment are well known, but the underlying neurobehavioral
mechanisms are less understood. The present project addresses the role of attentional control in
emotional expectation effects in different cohorts. It is planned to combine expectation manipulation
with cognitive fMRI paradigms in healthy participants and clinical populations. The project is part of
the newly funded interdisciplinary collaboration center CRC 289 on “Treatment expectation”, in which
international top-class scientists from the field of expectation and placebo are involved.
Location
The project is located within the Lifespan Neuroscience Group (head: Stefanie Brassen) at the Institute
of Systems Neuroscience (ISN, head: Christian Büchel) at the University Medical Center Hamburg-
Eppendorf in Hamburg, Germany.
What we offer
ï· Interdisciplinary, and international research environment within the ISN and within the CRC
ï· The Institute hosts its own research-dedicated 3T MR scanner (PRISMA) and has its own MR-
physicist groups, eye-tracking and behavioral laboratories
ï· Multiple opportunities for training and teaching of state-of-the-art imaging and analysis
techniques within the ISN and the CRC
ï· The institute hosts an international graduate school that offers a comprehensive program
covering all areas of neuroscience and provides PhD students with an excellent research
environment.
Requirements for the PhD position (75%)
ï· MSc or an equivalent degree in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, or a related
discipline
ï· Experience in programming
ï· Very good statistical knowledge
ï· Good writing skills in English, knowledge of German is a plus
ï· Experience with analyzing neuroimaging data, and some knowledge of cognitive neuroscience
would be an advantage
Additional requirements for the Postdoc position (100%)
ï· PhD in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science, or a related discipline
ï· Very good experience in programming, and analyzing neuroimaging experiments (fMRI)
ï· Strong academic record
Salary depends on experience and is based on German regulations (TVöD-13, for PhD positions with
the factor 75%). A 3-year commitment is strongly desired, with the possibility of renewal. Start date is
flexible.
Contact
Candidates should submit a CV, names of two references and brief statement of research interest by
e-mail to Prof. Dr. Stefanie Brassen (sbrassen@uke.de). Informal inquiries are very welcome.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.