PhD Position in Cognitive Neuroscience

The Research Group Neural Codes of Intelligence invites applications for a

PhD Position
fixed term (36 months), salary scale 13 TVöD 65%

to work with Dr. Stephanie Theves in a project involving behavioral and neuroimaging experiments on the neuro-cognitive mechanisms underlying concept learning and reasoning, using novel cognitive tasks, fMRI, and several data-analysis techniques (e.g., representational similarity analysis, pattern classification). We are looking for scientifically curious and motivated candidates to contribute to our goal of understanding key neural mechanisms underlying human cognition as well as interindividual differences therein.

You will conduct experimental research in cognitive neuroscience. The research project will provide the basis for your PhD thesis. Your responsibilities in the research project will include:

• preparation of experiments;
• data acquisition;
• data analyses;
• preparing the results for scientific presentations and publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The ideal candidate is passionate about basic research on human higher-level cognition and has gained first experience with one of our research methods.

• a MSc degree in neuroscience, psychology, or related natural sciences or quantitative discipline with a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience;
• first research experience (e.g., lab rotations, internships, thesis project) in cognitive neuroscience is highly desirable;
• solid analytical and quantitative skills;
• affinity to and basic experience with programming (e.g., Matlab, Python);
• first experience in fMRI data analysis would be an additional plus;
• advanced English proficiency (oral and written);
• organizational and problem-solving skills.

The Research Group Neural Codes of Intelligence is based at the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA)—an interdisciplinary research institution that investigates a broad range of question relating to the perception, performance, and creation of music and other performing arts. The MPIEA provides access to outstanding neuroimaging facilities and research infrastructure (two 3T-MRI scanners, one 7T-MRI scanner, MEG, EEG, eye tracking, and psychophysics labs). The MPIEA is located in Frankfurt am Main, a city with an interdisciplinary neuroscience community, including Goethe University and three research institutes that art part of or associated with the Max Planck Society. Frankfurt offers a high quality of life, a rich cultural scene, and a diverse, international environment, making it an attractive place to live and work.

The position is available flexibly from March 2025 onwards and for a fixed term of three years. The agreed working time is currently 39 hours per week. Payment is based on the Collective Wage Agreement for the Civil Service (TVöD Bund E13 65%) and is supplemented by an annual bonus. Please refer to mpg.de/doctoral students for further information.

The applications are considered on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. To apply, please include all documents in one PDF-file (your name as file name) in the following order: your CV (3 pages max.); a statement describing your research interests, personal qualifications, and motivation (2 pages max.); copies of relevant degrees and/or certificates; a copy of your MSc thesis or, if available, publication; the names and contact information of two references who have previously agreed to be contacted; and copies of your most relevant publications.

Please send these materials via our application management system.

For informal enquiries, please feel free to contact Dr. Stephanie Theves via stephanie.theves@ae.mpg.de.