The Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, RWTH Aachen University, invites applications for a

Position for a postdoctoral researcher in Functional Neuroimaging (TV-L 13).

The position is available starting July 1st, 2014 or later in the research group “Functional imaging of the chemosensory system”, Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology in the framework of the DFG-funded research project “Targeting the brain through the nose: Influence of intranasal insulin application on the human olfactory system” at RWTH Aachen University. Funding for this position can be provided for two years.

The research of the group focuses on behavioral and neuronal correlates of olfactory, trigeminal, and gustatory stimulation as well as the interaction of the chemosensory systems with other sensory systems. Using state-of-the-art stimulation devices in combination with sophisticated behavioral methods and non-invasive means of functional brain imaging (fMRI, EEG/ERP) we investigate how the human brain processes chemosensory stimuli.

The project is engaged with the influence of insulin on the olfactory system. We will use the well-established method of intranasal insulin application in combination with behavioral as well as functional imaging methods to investigate the effects of insulin on the olfactory system. The results will provide innovative insights into the interaction of cerebrospinal insulin with the olfactory system. Conclusions on the fundamental mechanisms of insulin effects on food consumption and the mediation of satiety in healthy subjects can be drawn. Our results will provide background information for diseases of which it is well known that cerebrospinal insulin levels are reduced (Morbus Alzheimer) or an insulin resistance exists (overweight, adiposity).

The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary team of young researchers at a well-known research institution (www.rwth-aachen.de). The candidate will design and conduct behavioral as well as functional imaging experiments, collect data, perform statistical data analysis (SPSS, Matlab and SPM), present the results at national and international meetings and publish research manuscripts.

Candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) in Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Nutrition, or a related field and should either have experience with sensory testing in a behavioral and psychophysiological setting or designing functional imaging experiments and analyzing functional imaging data. Very good English communication and writing skills are expected. The position requires a strong interest in research questions and experimental skills combined with a high level of motivation, team-orientation as well as the ability to solve problems independently. Programming skills in Matlab are considered a plus. Qualified women are explicitly invited to apply and handicapped candidates with equal qualification will be given preference.

Please send your application including a cover letter, CV, list of publication as well as at least one reference address to Jun.-Prof. Dr. Jessica Freiherr (jfreiherr@ukaachen.de).
Additional information about our group can be found at: www.olf.rwth-aachen.de.

Jessica Freiherr
jfreiherr@ukaachen.de
RWTH Aachen University
Aachen, Germany