The Forschungsgesellschaft für Arbeitsphysiologie und Arbeitsschutz e.V. is an institutionally funded research organization supported by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, and it is the sponsoring institution of the Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors in Dortmund (IfADo). IfADo investigates the risks and potentials of modern work using interdisciplinary approaches, combining the disciplines of ergonomics, immunology, toxicology, psychology, and neuroscience.

For a project in the research group “Neuroimaging and Interindividual Differences” (Department of Psychology and Neuroscience) we are seeking from early 2027 a

PhD researcher (m, w, d) (65 %)

The position is initially limited to a period of 4 years.

Projekt: Layers of imagination: Layer‐specific pathways for constructing mnemonic and fictitious experiences

Subject to the funding agency’s approval, we are seeking a doctoral-level researcher for an exciting project on imagination, autobiographical memory, and the construction of internal scenes in the human medial temporal lobe (MTL). Using advanced multimodal imaging methods, this project will investigate the extent to which the laminar microstructure of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) is related to interindividual differences in imagination, memory performance, and functional MTL activity. Ultra-high-resolution 7T imaging will be used to characterize laminar microstructure and connectivity in the hippocampus and adjacent cortical areas.

The project is part of the DFG research group “Layers of Memory” (), an interdisciplinary network of several research groups at the sites Dortmund, Bochum, Essen, and Magdeburg. The aim of the research group is to investigate the laminar organization and function of the human memory system using high-resolution imaging and complementary methods.

The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Cornelia McCormick (Universitätsklinikum Bonn). A central part of the data collection will take place at the 7 Tesla research infrastructure in Bonn, allowing the successful candidate to work there regularly on site.

Your tasks:

Contribute to the planning, conduct, and analysis of multimodal 7T MRI studies.
Analyze laminar microstructure and connectivity in the medial temporal lobe.
Integrate qMRI, diffusion, and functional imaging data.
Develop and apply suitable analysis strategies for laminar data.
Contribute to publications, presentations, and scientific reporting.
Work in close collaboration with the project team in Dortmund and Bonn.

Your qualification:

A master´s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, physics, engineering, computer science, or a comparable field.
Proven experience in the conduct and analysis of structural and functional MRI data.
Experience with high-resolution 7T imaging, diffusion imaging, qMRI, or laminar analysis would be desirable.
Programming skills, preferably in Python, Matlab, or comparable environments, would be an advantage.
A high level of independence, team spirit, scientific diligence, and enthusiasm for methodologically demanding research.

Our offer:

This is a part-time position with currently 25,89 working hours per week.
Remuneration according to TV-L E 13, EUR 3.093,59 to EUR 4.397,05 per month, depending on personal qualifications.
All benefits associated with public service employment, e.g. an annual bonus and the payment of capital-forming benefits.
Flexible working hours to facilitate the reconciliation of family and career.
Support for professional development.
Integration into an international and interdisciplinary research environment

IfADo is committed to diversity. We benefit from the diverse expertise, perspectives, and personalities of our employees and welcome applications from qualified candidates regardless of age, gender or gender identity, ethnic or cultural background, religion or belief, sexual orientation or identity, or disability.

Applicants with severe disabilities will be given special consideration if equally qualified.

We actively support the compatibility of work and family life and place great value on an equal and inclusive culture of collaboration.

General information about the research centre can be found at .

For questions, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Erhan Genç, genc@ifado.de , Tel.: 0231-1084520, or Prof. Dr. Cornelia McCormick, Cornelia.McCormick@ukbonn.de

Have we aroused your interest?

Then please send your complete application documents (CV; motivation letter; proof of academic degrees and references) indicating the reference code "FB Psycho 01/26" by 08.11.2026 exclusively by email to bewerbung@ifado.de .

(*Application documents will be destroyed in compliance with data protection regulations after the retention period has expired.)

For a project in the research group “Neuroimaging and Interindividual Differences” (Department of Ps

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