Research fellow (m/f/d) | Cognitive Neuroscience | Biological Psychology | PhD-Student, 65% | HU Berlin

Closing date for applications: 17/09/2025

Come join our group for your PhD! Quick link to the job posting: https://hu.berlin/mpphd

Who we are

Our research group investigates the human brain as a dynamic, interconnected system - from its molecular genetic foundations to its functional organization and behavioral implications. We use multimodal neuroimaging, including structural MRI, functional MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and EEG, in combination with genetic data (GWAS, bioinformatics) from large-scale population cohorts. Positioned at the intersection of biological psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and data science, our mission is to better understand the network structure of the human brain and how it contributes to cognition, aging, and mental health.

What we offer

• A PhD position in the DFG-funded project "NeuroGeneConnect", focused on genetic and neuroimaging-based mapping of brain networks
• Access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure: Siemens PrismaFit 3T MRI, EEG labs (shielded chambers with 64 active and passive electrode systems), and high-performance computing resources
• Access to large-scale population datasets (e.g., UK Biobank, HCP)
• A collaborative, agile research environment with regular team meetings, technical and scientific support, and room for independence
• Structured PhD supervision with regular feedback, integration into a broader academic community, and opportunities for conference presentations and publications
• Flexible working arrangements, including mobile working, with regular on-site presence expected in Berlin

What we're looking for

We are looking for a doctoral researcher (f/m/x) with a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, genetic imaging, and computational approaches to brain research. You hold a master’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related field and have initial experience with MRI or GWAS/bioinformatics (e.g., from your thesis or internship). You enjoy scientific work, are comfortable coding and working with data, and are eager to contribute to an interdisciplinary team.

What the position involves

As part of the NeuroGeneConnect project, you will investigate how genetic variation shapes human brain networks and personality. Your work will focus on the analysis of multimodal MRI data (e.g., functional connectivity, structural connectivity) and the integration of genetic information (GWAS, bioinformatics). You will work primarily with large open-access datasets (such as UK Biobank) and help develop transparent, reproducible processing pipelines. You will publish your findings in peer-reviewed journals and present them at conferences.

You will work in close collaboration with a postdoctoral researcher in the lab; your responsibilities will complement each other and allow for shared development of tools and ideas. While the DFG funding focuses on MRI and genetics, internal collaborations on EEG and source localization are possible.

Not a PhD-Student but looking for a Post-Doc?

We will be hiring a PostDoc as well, please reach out for more details.

Interested?

Please check the official job post at https://hu.berlin/mpp and apply via email. Please submit one PDF with all requested documents and please mention DR/180/25 in the reference line.

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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Universitätsverwaltung | Abteilung Haushalt und Personal | Personalangelegenheiten | Stellenausschreibungen | Research fellow (m/f/d) in the field of molecular psychology with expected 65% part-time employment – E 13 TV-L HU (limited for 3 years)

Research fellow (m/f/d) in the field of molecular psychology with expected 65% part-time employment – E 13 TV-L HU (limited for 3 years)

• Kennziffer  DR/180/25
• Kategorie(n) Wissenschaftliches Personal
• Anzahl der Stellen 1
• Einsatzort Faculty of Life Sciences – Department of Psychology
• Bewerbung bis 17.09.25

Our research group investigates the human brain as a dynamic, interconnected system - from its molecular genetic foundations to its functional organization and behavioral implications. We use multimodal neuroimaging, including structural MRI, functional MRI, diffusion-weighted imaging, and EEG, in combination with genetic data (GWAS, bioinformatics) from large-scale population cohorts. Positioned at the intersection of biological psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and data science, our mission is to better understand the network structure of the human brain and how it contributes to cognition, aging, and mental health.

Job description:

• scientific services in research in the DFG-funded project NeuroGeneConnect, which investigates brain network organization using multimodal neuroimaging and genetic data (GWAS, bioinformatics, e.g. UK Biobank)
• contribution to publications
• collaboration with internal and external partners
• tasks for personal scientific qualification (doctoral degree)

Requirements:

• an excellent scientific university degree (with preferably very good grades) in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, or a related discipline
• initial experience in neuroimaging or genetic data analysis (GWAS, bioinformatics)
• strong computational and programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, R)
• experience with large datasets desirable
• proficiency in English, both written and spoken (at least C1)
• German is an advantage
• willingness to work regularly on-site in Berlin (with flexible remote options)
• independent, self-motivated working style with a collaborative mindset

We offer:

• a PhD position in the DFG-funded project "NeuroGeneConnect", focused on genetic and neuroimaging-based mapping of brain networks
• access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure: Siemens
  PrismaFit 3T MRI, EEG labs (shielded chambers with 64 active and passive
  electrode systems), and high-performance computing resources
• access to largescale population datasets (e.g., UK Biobank, HCP)
• a collaborative, agile research environment with regular team
  meetings, technical and scientific support, and room for independence
• structured PhD supervision with regular feedback, integration into a
  broader academic community, and opportunities for conference
  presentations and publications
• flexible working arrangements, including mobile working, with regular on-site presence expected in Berlin

Bewerbung an

Please send your application (including cover letter, curriculum vitae and relevant certificates) until 17th September 2025, referencing the job ID DR/180/25 to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Psychology, Prof. Dr. Sebastian Markett (located: Rudower Chaussee 18), Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin or preferably in electronic form as a single PDF file to julia.hammer@hu-berlin.de.

Further enquiries can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Sebastian Markett: sebastian.markett@hu-berlin.de.

The Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is seeking to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourages qualified female scholars to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration. People with an immigration history are specifically encouraged to apply. Since we will not return your documents, please submit copies in the application only.

Data protection information on the processing of your personal data in the context of the tender and selection procedure can be found on the homepage of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: https://hu.berlin/DSGVO.

Please visit our website www.hu-berlin.de/stellenangebote, which gives you access to the legally binding German version.