DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system. With its outstanding research personalities and state-of-the-art infrastructure, it offers the best conditions for publications and results at the highest level.

Around 1,200 employees at 10 locations in Germany are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) Population-based Imaging

Code: 1375/2924/12

We use brain imaging to further our understanding of the structural and functional characteristics and changes that impact brain health. We investigate determinants of brain imaging substrates, including genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, and derive imaging biomarkers and classifiers to predict trajectories of brain aging and development of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative pathology. Our ultimate aim is to contribute to the prevention of neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular diseases and support healthy brain aging.

Our research is primarily based on the Rhineland Study, a large prospective cohort study that emphasizes deep phenotyping. We collect advanced MRI data (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-024-01085-w) as well as extensive behavioral and clinical data, including cognitive and neurological assessments, cardiovascular and anthropometric assessments, sensory systems tests, medical history, and medication use. Moreover, comprehensive multi-omics data ((epi)genomic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, lipidomic and proteomic data) from our study participants have been analyzed, with data sets expanding. The study currently includes over 12,500 individuals, nearly 5,000 of whom already have longitudinal data. Additional baseline and follow-up data collection is ongoing.

In this context, the group of Prof. Dr. Breteler is looking for an ambitious and experienced researcher (m/f/x) in full time to join our team.

Your role in detail

• Focus on topics in population-based imaging, particularly structural MRI, in the context of the Rhineland Study
• Integration of advanced tools for the analysis of structural MRI data with extensive clinical and phenotypic data
• Investigation of determinants, biomarkers, and clinical correlates of brain structure and function over the adult life course
• Contribution to ongoing projects and development of independent research projects
• Management and oversight of image acquisition and image analysis pipelines
• Supervision of PhD and master’s students
• Active participation in national and international collaborations

Your qualifications

• You hold a PhD in biomedical image processing, epidemiology, medicine, (bio)medical sciences or other relevant discipline
• Experience with epidemiological research or large-scale observational studies using structural MRI or other brain imaging techniques
• Experience with standard neuroimaging tools (e.g. FreeSurfer, SPM, ANTS or FSL)
• Knowledge of epidemiological methods, study design, and statistics
• A track record of publishing high quality scientific articles
• Enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary and international team
• Proficiency in spoken and written English is required

What our employees value

• Innovation and internationality a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Work-life balance - we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, mobile working, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidised job/ Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture - because we know that familie is important, we support you with parent-child offices, family services and daycare co-operations
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programmes, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - excellent publication opportunities and great potential for the further development of your own research profile
• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund - including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme
• Personalised Onboarding - for a good start to your new professional challenge
• A feel-good working environment - our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant
• Job with prospects - The position is initially limited to 3 years with the possibility of tenure-track extension

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, and transcripts in one single PDF file. The cover letter should describe your motivation to apply for this position and detail how your research interests and experience align with the research conducted in our group. Please highlight any relevant projects, publications, or collaborations. Note: We highly value authenticity in applications and discourage the use of AI-generated cover letters.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr Dr Monique Breteler at population-research@dzne.de

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Application deadline

13.01.2025