Job Offer from June 03, 2025
The Cognitive Neuroscience & Neurotechnology group led by Dr. Romy Lorenz is looking for an enthusiastic Research Assistant to join our team at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, Germany, with the possibility of a PhD Position.
Our lab focuses on advancing our understanding of the frontoparietal brain network mechanisms that underpin high-level cognition and adaptive behaviour. For this, we pursue an interdisciplinary research programme that allows studying this brain system at multiple levels of granularity. Our methodology involves subject-specific brain-computer interface technology, fMRI at 3T and ultrahigh (i.e., 7T and 9.4T) magnetic field strengths (for resolving cortical layers), EEG, non-invasive brain stimulation as well as machine learning. You can find out more about our work at: https://www.kyb.tuebingen.mpg.de/kognitive-neurowissenschaften-neurotechnologie
We are seeking an ambitious research assistant who is interested in pushing the frontiers of human cognitive neuroscience through the integration of real-time fMRI and closed-loop brain stimulation. The position focuses on developing and applying novel fMRI-guided TMS paradigms to study and modulate brain network dynamics related to high-level cognition. In this innovative project, we aim to combine real-time fMRI at 3T with closed-loop TMS and machine learning (e.g., neuroadaptive Bayesian optimization) to identify optimal stimulation parameters for perturbing key nodes of large-scale brain networks. The research assistant will design and carry out offline (i.e. not real-time) and online (i.e. real-time) fMRI-TMS experiments in healthy human participants at our 3T scanner and develop adaptive stimulation protocols guided by ongoing brain activity.
The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in research on high-level cognition and curiosity for closed-loop experimentation with machine learning. Applicants should have prior experience in at least one of the following areas: TMS experimentation or fMRI data analytics (e.g. FSL, Freesurfer). Strong programming skills in Bash on Linux, Matlab and/or Python are required. Prior experience in fMRI data acquisition, experience with PsychoPy (for task programming), machine learning-methods (e.g. MVPA), code sharing platforms (e.g. GitHub) and high-performance computing clusters are desirable but not necessary. Candidates are expected to have a Master’s degree in cognitive (neuro)science, psychology, computer science, biomedical or electrical engineering, physics, or related disciplines.
The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics offers a world-leading research environment with access to the latest cutting-edge MRI hardware (incl. a Siemens 9.4T and Prisma 3T for humans as well as a 14.2T small animal system) and other excellent research facilities (EEG, eye-tracking, fMRI-TMS). The Institute is part of the TübingenNeuroCampus (with more than 100 active groups), offering a vibrant community of international researchers and enriching environment of collaboration.
The position is available from August 2025 on (a later starting date is possible) and initially funded for 1 year, with the possibility of extension into a fully funded 3-year PhD position. The salary is paid in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD E13, Level 1, 50%), corresponding to approximately €2300 gross per month. The Max Planck Society seeks to employ more handicapped people and strongly encourages them to apply. Furthermore, we actively support the compatibility of work and family life. The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity.
To apply, please send your application containing a personal statement describing your personal qualifications, research interests and motivation (max. 2 pages), CV including publication list, academic certificates/transcript of records, names and contact details of 3 referees, and desired starting date as a single PDF file with the subject line “Application for RA: TMS-FMRI” to Dr. Romy Lorenz (romy.lorenz@tuebingen.mpg.de). Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and considered until the position is filled.