Fully funded 4-year PostDoc Position in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience (Area: Functions of the Perirhinal Cortex) - Doeller Lab

Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI-CBS), Leipzig, Germany

The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig invites applications for a fully funded 4-year postdoctoral position in the Department of Psychology (Christian Doeller Lab). The role is embedded in a collaborative project with Prof. Patric Meyer (SRH University Heidelberg/Heidelberg University) and Dr. Andrej Bicanski (MPI-CBS, Leipzig), focusing on the cross-domain functions of the perirhinal cortex.

You will work in a highly interdisciplinary, international environment with access to cutting-edge research facilities, including 7T fMRI, MEG, VR, and computational modeling tools. The start date is flexible.

Our research explores how the brain builds, organizes, and uses structured representations to support cognition across domains, including:

• Spatial navigation, temporal, episodic, and working memory
• Learning, decision-making, and knowledge acquisition
• Translational research on population coding and Alzheimer's disease

Key methods: fMRI (including 7T), MEG, virtual reality (VR), psychophysics, machine learning, deep neural networks, and computational modeling.

The Doeller Lab maintains strong synergies with the Neural Computation Group (Andrej Bicanski) and long-term collaborations with the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience (Trondheim, Norway).

This position is part of a research program investigating the perirhinal cortex's role in complex object, concept, and associative representations across cognitive domains (memory, perception, semantics, decision-making). The project combines:

• Computational modeling
• High-resolution 7T fMRI
• Multivariate neuroimaging analyses (MVPA, RSA)
• Experimental paradigms from cognitive neuroscience

Core research questions:

• How does the perirhinal cortex represent complex feature conjunctions?
• How does it support familiarity-based recognition and semantic integration?
• Are perirhinal representations domain-specific or cross-domain?
• Can a unified computational framework explain its diverse functions?
• How can 7T fMRI and MVPA characterize fine-grained representations in the anterior medial temporal lobe?

We seek outstanding early-career scientists with:

• A PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science, physics, or a related field
• Strong interest in the functional organization of the medial temporal lobe (especially perirhinal cortex)
• Good knowledge of multivariate fMRI analysis (MVPA, RSA, pattern classification)
• Interest in or experience with computational modeling
• Strong programming skills
• Excellent academic track record
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Desirable:

• Experience with 7T fMRI or high-resolution neuroimaging
• Knowledge of anterior medial temporal lobe anatomy/segmentation

We value scientific ambition, creativity, openness, and strong communication skills.

• A fully funded 4-year position (with possibility of 1-year extension) in the Doeller Lab
• International, cross-disciplinary, and intellectually stimulating environment
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure:
  • Four 3T MR scanners + one 7T MR scanner
  • MEG, EEG, VR labs, psychophysics & eye-tracking facilities
  • Collaborative projects with the Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology (Leipzig University Hospital)
• Personalized mentoring and support for scientific/career development
• Opportunities to:
  • Develop independent research directions
  • Co-supervise undergraduate/PhD students
  • Present at leading international conferences (independent travel budget)
  • Engage in targeted career planning (academic/industry mentors, workshops, coaching)
• Competitive salary (based on Max Planck Society regulations)
• Flexible working arrangements, work-life balance, and family-friendly policies
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Life in Leipzig: A vibrant cultural hub with a rich tradition in music, academia, and modern arts. Home to three Max Planck Institutes, Leipzig is frequently highlighted as a top destination for science and culture (The Guardian, The New York Times).

Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit and research potential. Submit one PDF file including:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Max. 2-page research proposal (aligned with the project, demonstrating your contribution)
• Contact details of three referees (to be contacted after initial review)

Deadline: August 17, 2026 via the online portal (reference: "PostDoc 04/26").

Questions? Contact:

Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences Postfach 500355 D-04303 Leipzig