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Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence

PhD Position in Ultra-High-Field Layer fMRI of Cognitive Control and Interoception Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

PhD position initially offered for three years with possible extension. Salary is based on 65% TVöD E13 (German public sector collective agreement). The student receives generous support for professional travel and research needs of about 2500 EUR per year.

Deadline

Oct 1, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence

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Keywords

Computer Science
Psychology
Biomedical Engineering
Neuroimaging
Neuropsychology
Diffusion Mri
Neurocognition
Interoception
Physics
ML

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About this position

PhD opportunity in cognitive neuroscience, interoception, cognitive control, ultra-high-field fMRI, layer fMRI, diffusion MRI, and machine learning at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, in collaboration with Heidelberg University.

The project investigates how the anterior insula interacts with the prefrontal cortex to integrate bodily signals and support higher-order cognition. The human neuroimaging component will be led by Dr. Romy Lorenz, with collaboration from Dr. Jonas Bause and Dr. Sebastian Wieland. The work combines 9.4T ultra-high-field layer-specific fMRI, 3T diffusion MRI, dense-sampling designs, physiological recordings, and a real-time closed-loop heartbeat-detection paradigm.

Applicants should have an excellent Master’s degree in cognitive (neuro)science, psychology, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related field. Strong fMRI analysis skills (FSL, FreeSurfer, ANTS), excellent Python and Bash/Linux programming, and strong quantitative problem-solving ability are required. Experience with MRI acquisition, 7T/layer fMRI, PsychoPy, Git/GitHub, and HPC is desirable. Excellent English is required.

The position starts in January 2027, runs for three years initially, and may be extended. Funding includes 65% TVöD E13 salary plus about 2500 EUR/year for travel and research needs. The institute offers access to advanced MRI and neuroscience facilities and participation in the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience.

Apply by 2026-10-01 by emailing a single PDF to [email protected] with the subject line “Application for PhD-3: Insula”. Include a personal statement, CV with publications and GitHub link, certificates/transcripts, and three referees.

Funding details

PhD position initially offered for three years with possible extension. Salary is based on 65% TVöD E13 (German public sector collective agreement). The student receives generous support for professional travel and research needs of about 2500 EUR per year.

What's required

Excellent Master's degree in cognitive (neuro)science, psychology, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related discipline. Strong background in fMRI data analysis (e.g. FSL, FreeSurfer, ANTS) and very good programming skills in Python and Bash on Linux are required. Prior MRI data acquisition experience is desirable; experience with ultra-high-field MRI (e.g. 7T) or layer fMRI is an advantage but not required. Experience with PsychoPy, Git/GitHub, and HPC environments is highly desirable. Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills, ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary team, and excellent written and spoken English are required.

How to apply

Submit a single PDF application by email to Dr. Romy Lorenz at [email protected] with the subject line “Application for PhD-3: Insula”. Include a personal statement, CV with publications and GitHub link, academic certificates/transcripts, and the names and contact details of three referees.

More information can be found here

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