Birgit Derntl

The Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research at the University of Tübingen, Germany, is offering a PhD position focused on the neural mechanisms of body memories in women and men. This research opportunity is situated within the Translational Imaging of Cortical Microstructure Research Group led by Prof. Dr. Esther Kühn, in close collaboration with the Women's Mental Health & Brain Function Research Group led by Prof. Dr. Birgit Derntl. The successful candidate will investigate sex differences in insular-based body memories using high-field fMRI and a novel mobile application that tracks body symptoms in everyday life. The project will explore autobiographical memory performance and the influence of sex hormones on individual memories, contributing to the understanding of biological sex and hormone impacts on body memories and mental health. The position offers integration into the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, support for advanced fMRI analyses, and access to cutting-edge facilities such as 3T MRI scanning and a full-body virtual haptics lab. There are no teaching obligations, and candidates will have opportunities to present research at international conferences and collaborate with leading neuroscience centers. Applicants must have an excellent MSc degree in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, or a related field, with experience in programming and fMRI data analysis, strong analytical skills, and excellent English communication abilities. The position is funded for at least three years at a 65% contract level, though specific stipend details are not provided. To apply, candidates should send their CV, a brief description of future research interests, and a list of two potential referees to Prof. Dr. Esther Kühn at esther.kuehn@uni-tuebingen.de. The application deadline is January 31, 2026, and the position can start as early as March 1, 2026. For more information, visit the research group pages and the Hertie Institute website.