[visionlist] PhD and postdoctoral positions - Investigating sensory aspects of human communication

[Katharina von Kriegstein]

Several researcher positions (Postdocs and PhD students) are available at the Human Communication Research Group, led by Katharina von Kriegstein. The group is currently based at the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences in Leipzig (MPI CBS; http://www.cbs.mpg.de/independent-research-groups/human-communication ) and will transfer to the Psychology Faculty of the TU Dresden in 2018.

The positions are funded by the ERC consolidator grant SENSOCOM. The aim of the SENSOCOM project is to investigate the role of auditory and visual subcortical sensory structures in analysing human communication signals and to specify how their dysfunction contributes to human communication disorders such as developmental dyslexia and autism spectrum disorders. For examples of our work on these topics see von Kriegstein et al., 2008 Current Biology, Diaz et al., 2012 PNAS; Müller-Axt et al., 2017 Current Biology. The projects include experiments using cognitive neuroscience methods to understand the basic mechanisms of cortico-subcortical interactions as well as development of training programmes that are aimed at creating behavioural intervention programmes for communication deficits (for a brief description see http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/199655_en.html ).

The positions will be based at the TU Dresden. Research will be performed at the Neuroimaging Centre at the TU Dresden ( http://www.nic-tud.de ) and MPI CBS in Leipzig. The centres offer cutting-edge infrastructure with 3-Tesla MRI, 7-Tesla MRI, a Connectom scanner, MRI compatible eye-tracking, several EEG systems, 306-channel MEG, neurostimulation units including neuronavigaton, TMS and tDCS devices. Besides an excellent infrastructure, the centres offer an international and friendly environment with researchers from diverse backgrounds. All experimental facilities are supported by experienced physics and IT staff. For analyses with high computational demands, there is access to high-performance computing clusters.

Candidates should have a strong interest in perceptual aspects of human communication and experience with experimental methods of cognitive neuroscience, such as psychophysics, functional or structural MRI, TMS, diffusion-weighted imaging, brainstem recordings or EEG/MEG. Experience with clinical populations (e.g. developmental dyslexia) would be an asset but is not essential. PhD student candidates must have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in neuroscience, clinical linguistics, psychology, cognitive science, biology, or a related field. Postdoc candidates must have a PhD in similar fields and should be able to demonstrate a consistently outstanding academic record, including publications.

The position starting date is flexible. Initially for two (postdocs) or three (PhD) years, the positions offer the possibility of an extension. Remuneration depends on experience and is based on regulations of the Max Planck Society payscale. MPI CBS is an equal opportunities employer, committed to the advancement of individuals without regard to ethnicity, religion, gender, or disability. PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the TU Dresden graduate academy (https://tu-dresden.de/ga?set_language=en). TU Dresden is one of eleven German Universities of Excellence and offers an interdisciplinary scientific environment.

To apply, please submit a CV, contact information of two references, a brief personal statement describing your qualifications and future research interests, copies of up to two of your publications. Please submit your application via our online system at http://www.cbs.mpg.de/vacancies (using subject heading “ERC 01/18”). The deadline for application submission is 15st February 2018. Contact for informal enquiries regarding the post: Prof. Dr. Katharina von Kriegstein (katharina.von_kriegstein at tu-dresden.de).


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Prof. Dr. Katharina von Kriegstein

Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Stephanstr. 1A, 04103 Leipzig, Germany

Technische Universität Dresden
Bamberger Str. 7, 01187 Dresden, Germany

Phone +49 (0) 341-9940-2476

http://www.cbs.mpg.de/independent-research-groups/human-communication
https://twitter.com/kvonkriegstein