PhD Candidate in Population Neuroimaging (f/m/d)

The German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) is a unique non-university research center which is dedicated to the subject dementia and all its areas, as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. The center compasses the full spectrum of fundamental research through population sciences to health care research. The DZNE stands for excellence in research and science management, translation of scientific results into practice, interdisciplinarity and internationalization. It is a research center within the Helmholtz Organization of German research centers. With over 1,000 employees from 55 nations, spread over 10 sites, the DZNE is one of the national and international leading research centers in its research field.

Within the area of Population Health Sciences in Bonn, we are looking for a

PhD Candidate in Population Neuroimaging (f/m/d)
Code: 1703/2019/12

We study determinants and biomarkers of normal and pathological mental and physical health function over the adult life course, with a special emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases and ageing. The research is primarily based on the Rhineland Study. This prospective population-based cohort study will include more than 20,000 people aged 30 years and over, run for decades, and emphasizes brain-related outcomes. Core data collection includes extensive structural and functional brain imaging, cognitive and behavioral assessments, cardiovascular investigations, sensory systems assessments, questions on medical history, medication intake, life style, nutrition and mental health, collection of biomaterials, and wide-ranging omics analyses.

Brain imaging is an essential part of our data collection and prominent in our research. All eligible participants of the Rhineland Study undergo an advanced 1h MRI protocol at each examination. We already have brain imaging data from thousands of participants, data collection is ongoing. We work with an interdisciplinary team of image analyzers, IT experts and other data scientists to build the relevant image analysis pipelines and perform further feature extraction and data analysis. We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious young researcher to join us within the area of Population Neuroimaging.

Your tasks

You will investigate preclinical markers of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases as well as imaging features of normal and pathological brain structure and function over the adult lifespan. Responsibilities include: participation in and supervision of data acquisition and processing; rating of images for incidental findings; data analysis and preparation of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals; active participation in national and international conferences.

Your profile

Successful candidates hold an excellent degree in Medicine, Biomedical Sciences, Cognitive Neuroscience or a related discipline, and have working experience in radiology, in particular brain imaging. Experience in epidemiological research or large-scale clinical studies is desirable. For further requirements, please visit our web page or contact us via e-mail through the address stated below.

We offer:

• Interesting and challenging work on the forefront of health research in a highly interdisciplinary and international team. Common language at work is English.
• We actively encourage and support our employees’ personal development and growth.
• The PhD position will be integrated into the Bonn International Graduate School of Clinical and Population Science and further training in epidemiological, statistical and computational methods will be provided as needed.
• The position is initially limited to three years with the possibility of extension.
• Employment, payment and social benefits are consistent with those at other research institutes.

You will obtain special skills and knowledge for your scientific qualification during your activities at DZNE. The DZNE is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to employing disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.

Please apply via: https://jobs.dzne.de/en/jobs/30411/form