PhD Position (m/f/d)
PhD Position (m/f/d)
Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus
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PhD Position (m/f/d)
at the Cognitive Neurophysiology Lab of the Department
of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
The main focus of the research group "Cognitive Neurophysiology" (head: Prof. Dr. rer.
nat. Christian Beste) at the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and
Psychotherapy at the Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden is the investigation of
neurobiological basics of cognitive control and executive functions using modern
experimental psychological, neurophysiological and neurobiological methods in healthy
people and neuropsychiatric diseases.
The position is to be filled in cognitive neuroscience, human EEG, and adaptive
neurotechnology. The position is fixed-term for 1 year and is to be filled as of 1
November 2026. However, in line with the further development of your individual
professional interests, we would be pleased to explore the possibility of longer-term
collaboration. Remuneration will be based on the provisions of the collective agreement
for the public service of the German federal states (TV-L). Subject to the fulfilment of the
personal requirements, classification in salary group E13 is possible; the position is
remunerated at 65%.
We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral researcher who wants to understand how
the human brain dynamically coordinates perception, action, and cognitive control. The
project will investigate how neural oscillations interact across time and frequency, how
information flows between brain regions, and how transient EEG brain states support
adaptive behaviour. The position is ideal for candidates who are excited by the interface
of experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, computational EEG analysis, and
translational neurotechnology. The project asks, which dynamic EEG states are
meaningful markers of cognitive control, and how could such markers inform future
adaptive neurofeedback, neuromodulation, or closed-loop brain-state monitoring? The
PhD project will examine this using human EEG and advanced signal-analysis
approaches. The successful candidate will study how oscillatory coupling and directed
information flow change across cognitive-control demands and how such dynamics
relate to behaviour, variability, and adaptive performance. Depending on the candidate’s
interests, the project may also include a translational component, for example in
https://www.uniklinikum-dresden.de/de/das-klinikum/kliniken-polikliniken-institute/kjp
relation to ADHD, cognitive-control instability, neurofeedback, or adaptive
neuromodulation. The project is therefore well suited for candidates who want to
combine deep mechanistic questions about human cognition with modern
computational EEG methods and translational perspectives on adaptive
neurotechnology.
Your Responsibilities:
• Investigation of the neuronal mechanisms of cognitive control using EEG data
• Analysis of dynamic EEG states as markers of adaptive behavior
• Exploration of the interplay between neuronal oscillations across time and
frequency domains
• Investigation of directed information flow between brain regions
• Application of modern methods in computational EEG signal processing and
data analysis
• Analysis of the relationships between neuronal dynamics, behavior, and
performance variability
• Development and evaluation of potential biomarkers for cognitive control
• Contribution to the advancement of translational approaches, e.g., in the fields
of neurofeedback, adaptive neuromodulation, or closed-loop systems
• Opportunity to address translational research questions, for instance in the
context of ADHD or cognitive control instability
• Presentation and publication of scientific findings at national and international
conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
Your Profil:
• a master’s degree or equivalent in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science,
biomedical sciences, computational neuroscience, data science, or a related
discipline
• curiosity, motivation, scientific creativity, and the willingness to learn advanced
methods in a collaborative environment
• strong interest in human cognitive neuroscience and brain dynamics
• Strong interest in human cognition, cognitive control, action control, or
neurotechnology
• Interest in EEG, neural oscillations, and brain-signal analysis
• Good programming skills or strong motivation to develop them, for example in
Python, MATLAB, or R
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Very good English communication skills
• Experience with EEG, time-frequency analysis, cross-frequency coupling, source
analysis is advantageous but not mandatory
We Offer:
We offer an intellectually stimulating and supportive research environment at the
interface of cognitive neuroscience, clinical neuroscience, and neural technology. The
successful candidate will join an active research group with strong expertise in human
action control, EEG, neural oscillations, cognitive control, neurodevelopmental and
clinical neuroscience, and advanced analysis of brain dynamics.
• Doctorate: Opportunity to pursue a doctorate (Dr. rer. nat. or PhD)
• Projects: A clearly defined PhD project with scope for individual scientific
development
• Training: Training in state-of-the-art methods of EEG analysis and computational
neuroscience; Supervision in an internationally visible cognitive-neuroscience
environment
• Network: Integration into local, national, and international research networks
• Compensation: Based on the TV-L collective bargaining agreement in pay
grade E13, plus an annual bonus, provided you meet the personal requirements
• Vacation: 30 days of paid vacation
• Professional Development: Extensive internal and external training and
development opportunities to continuously strengthen your skills; Career-
oriented training and professional development opportunities, including
individual career planning and support in developing a future-oriented
professional profile
• Company Culture: Work in a leading clinical and research institution with an
innovative and interdisciplinary working environment; A collaborative, friendly,
and intellectually open research culture
https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/tv-l/
• Mobility: A subsidy for a job ticket to make your commute eco-friendly and
convenient
• Health: We promote your well-being with modern fitness and exercise programs
at our health center, mental health programs, and a comprehensive workplace
health management program
• Shopping benefits: Take advantage of employee discounts at our clinic
pharmacy, exclusive corporate benefits, and other shopping portals
• Work-life balance: Our Family Office supports you with questions regarding
daycare spots, vacation programs, retirement provision, and caring for family
members. We also offer flexible working hours to support a genuine balance
between family and professional life
For further information, please contact Prof. Christian Beste via e-
mail: KJPBewerbungen@uniklinikum-dresden.de
Your contact in the HR Directorate
Antonia Schulz
Tel: 0351-458 77306
Severely disabled applicants are expressly encouraged to apply and will be given
preferential consideration if equally qualified.
We kindly ask you to apply preferably via our online form to make the selection process
faster and more effective. Of course, we also consider your written application without
any disadvantages.
To ensure the best possible health protection for our patients and employees, we require
proof of measles vaccination (a medical certificate) in accordance with the Infection
Protection Act. Further proof of vaccination status must be presented before starting
work.