Postdoc position in Brain Imaging Genetics (1,0 fte)

Understanding how genetic variation affects human brain morphology and function is one of the greatest scientific challenges of the 21st century. Advances in both molecular genetics and structural as well as functional neuroimaging have provided the tools necessary to answer this question. However, unbiased explorations discovering yet unknown gene-brain associations require massive studies. Thus, three Max-Planck-Institutes and several academic partners throughout Europe have decided to join forces by setting-up a consortium (MaxNet Cognition) aiming to unravel the genetic determinants of human brain morphology and function. To this end, we plan to perform genome wide association studies (GWAS) based on quantitative phenotypes based on brain data (structural MRI, DTI, resting-state fMRI) and a set of behavioral measures.

Job profile: The postdoc will take a leading role in setting-up and maintaining a high-throughput MRI data pipeline and developing novel quantitative tools that provide regional specific, quantitative phenotypes based on structural MRI, DTI, resting-state fMRI and the combination of these measures. In addition to these tasks, the postdoc is expected to entertain his/her own research in methods development and/or brain imaging genetics.

Requirements: You have a PhD based on a solid quantitative background (physics, mathematics, engineering, etc.) and hands-on experience with (f)MRI data acquisition and analysis. In addition, organizational skills in multi-center studies are highly desirable. Excellent proficiency in oral and written English as well as good social skills are also required.

Organization: This project is a collaboration between three Max-Planck-Institutes and several academic research units in Germany, Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. The postdoc will have contact with researchers from these institutes, but will be physically located at the Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging (Radboud University Nijmegen), which is part of the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour (http://www.ru.nl/donders). The mission of the Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging is to conduct cutting-edge fundamental research in cognitive neuroscience. Much of the rapid progress in this field is being driven by the development of complex neuro-imaging techniques for the in-vivo scanning of activity in and structure of the human brain – an area in which the Centre plays a leading role. The research themes cover central cognitive functions such as perception, action, attention, memory, language, learning and plasticity. The Centre also aims to establish how the different brain areas coordinate their activity with very high temporal precision to enable human and animal cognition. The internationally renowned Centre currently hosts more than 100 PhD students and post-doctoral researchers of more than 20 nationalities, offering a stimulating and multidisciplinary research environment. The Centre is equipped with three MRI scanners (7T, 3T, 1.5T), a 275 channels MEG system, an EEG-TMS laboratory, several (MR-compatible) EEG systems, and high-performance computational facilities. English is the lingua franca at the Centre.

Conditions of employment: Employment: 1,0 fte. Duration of the contract: initially 3 years, with a possible extension

Additional information can be obtained from:

Prof. Dr. P. Hagoort

Phone ++31 24 3610651

E-mail: p.hagoort@donders.ru.nl or

Prof. Dr. G. Fernández

Phone +31 24 3610749

E-mail g.fernandez@donders.ru.nl

Application: Candidates should submit electronically an application letter (mention the vacancy number maxnet01), a CV, and the names of two persons who can provide references  to

Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging

Attention: Ms. T. Stijns

Kapittelweg 29, 6525 EN NIJMEGEN

Telephone: ++31 24 3610651

E-mail: neuroimaging@donders.ru.nl

No commercial propositions please.