Vacancy Notice 342/2024

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU) is an internationally oriented and regionally networked university with a strong research profile.

Prof Dr. Kristine Krug in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krauel in the Faculty of Medicine seek to fill the following vacancy:

Predoctoral Scientist (m/f/d) in neuroscience (human and non-human primate connectivity and function)

Salary scale:
13 TV-L

Date commencing:
next possible date

Fixed term (until):
3 years

Contract status:
65 %

We are a university with a focus on engineering and natural sciences as well as economics, human sciences and medicine. We offer excellent study and working conditions to 13,000 students from Germany and abroad as well as approx. 3,000 employees.

The Sensory Physiology Department (Prof. Kristine Krug) in the Faculty of Natural Sciences investigates how neuronal interactions shape perceptual decisions in primates. She researches the relationship between neurons, circuits and behaviour in Rhesus monkeys and humans, with methods including cellular neurophysiology, high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cutting-edge brain intervention methods, including ultrasound and electrical micro-stimulation. Prof. Kerstin Krauel’s group in the Faculty of Medicine investigates the neural basis of ADHD and potential non-invasive intervention methods, like transcranial direct current stimulation (TDCS). This collaborative project is funded by the Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR) as part of the Deutsche Zentrum für psychische Gesundheit (DZPG).

Job description:

In order to use transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in children, adolescents, and young adults in a targeted manner and with few side effects, the structural and functional connections of the brain networks to be stimulated must be precisely understood. In this project, we aim to improve our understanding of the circuitry and functional organization and connectivity of the rIFG to establish targeted and optimized stimulation (tDCS) protocols that lead to sustained clinical improvement.

The successful candidate will exploit DTI and structural MRI data of ADHD and typically developed children and adolescents to characterize parcellation of the rIFG in these samples as well as in non-human primates and will investigate how well rIFg parcellation in the developing human brain map onto rIFG parcellation in the primate brain. The candidate will use focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) to stimulate rIFG clusters in order to identify associated networks within resting state fMRI data. The opportunity to investigate non-human primates will allow the testing of a larger parameter space to get a clearer picture on timing issues in stimulation and how neuroplasticity can be optimally achieved.

Qualification for a PhD during the project is required.

Requirements profile:

• Master's degree in neuroscience or other natural science with a strong quantitative background
• strong academic record
• experience in neuroscience experimentation, in particular with MRI would be an advantage
• experience in research with non-human primates or other in vivo animal experience would be an advantage
• focus and motivation to make a significant contribution to developing an ambitious research programme as part of an interdisciplinary, international research team

For inquiries about the research project and the open position please contact Prof. Kristine Krug (kristine.krug(at)ovgu.de). For further information about the research group, please see www.lisp.ovgu.de.

The Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, with its associated institutes, has an internationally renowned scientific profile in Neuroscience. Magdeburg is a vibrant and multidisciplinary scientific environment offering a broad range of opportunities for cutting-edge neuroscience research, including high-field, high-resolution MRI (7T) and state-of-the-art facilities for research with non-human primates.

The candidate will benefit from our structures and offerings in the fields of sustainability, diversity, family support and staff development. Our location in the center of a thriving, lively and family-friendly state capital guarantees a high quality of life and a wide range of leisure activities. For more information, please visit www.ovgu.de/en/karriere.

Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is a signatory of the German Diversity Charter. We welcome your application, regardless of gender, cultural and social background, age or sexual orientation. Applications from severely disabled people or people with an equivalent impairment will be given priority in the case of equal suitability, ability and professional expertise. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg strongly promotes gender equality in all professional areas.

Please note the information for storage of personal data:

Please send your complete application (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, graduation certificates, references) by January 21st, 2026 using the online application portal.

Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg
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