In close cooperation with the University Hospital Münster (UKM), the Institute for Geoinformatics in the Faculty of Geosciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill a position for a
Doctoral Research Associate (EU-Forscher*in. salary level E 13 TV-L, 100%)
or the EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) doctoral network “Spatial Communication and Ageing Across Languages (SCALA)”. We are offering one fixed-term full-time position for 3 years from 1 April 2025. More Information about the project can be found at https://scala-project.eu. The position advertised will be primarily based at the UKM, from where the successful candidate will work on the subproject DC6 “Describing object location in atypical ageing” under the supervision of PD Dr. Dr Matthias Pawlowski and Prof Stjepana Kovac from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Münster. The Faculty of Medicine at the University Münster is one of the largest and most research-focused medical faculties in Germany with several defined areas of research, a high level of innovation and close ties with the University Hospital Münster (UKM). The Department of Neurology treats the full spectrum of neurological diseases with a strong clinical focus on neurodegenerative and immune-mediated diseases of the nervous system. Overall, research in our department combines basic animal models and patient-derived specimens with cutting-edge technologies. By further applying neuropsychological methods and approaches, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the cognitive and behavioural impacts of these diseases. Our multidisciplinary research strategy enables a comprehensive examination of both the neurological and neuropsychological aspects, ultimately leading to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Your tasks:
- The successful candidate will explore how communicative abilities related to spatial aspects manifest within patient cohorts experiencing atypical aging, specifically those with Alzheimer's dementia and autoimmune limbic encephalitis. The primary research objective is to analyse the link between visuospatial skills and the capacity to convey spatial information with the aim of identifying underlying patterns and correlations in these patient groups.
- Responsibilities include conducting neuropsychological examinations with a focus on visuoconstructional and visuoperceptual tasks, as well as assessments of apraxia, and analysing their relationship to language, social cognition and executive functions in these patient groups.
- Organizing, conducting and coordinating data collection efforts.
- Evaluating and analysing neuropsychological test data and EEG results.
- Assisting with or authoring scientific publications and presenting findings at international conferences.
- Collaboration with an international consortium in the externally funded MSCA doctoral network SCALA.
- Involvement in the network’s educational events, both through in-person activities such as summer schools and through virtual formats like lecture series and colloquia.
This position is tied to working towards a doctoral degree
Our expectations:
- A degree in psychology, neuropsychology, or psychotherapy (MSc or equivalent) is required.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English and German is essential.
- The MSCA mobility rule must be applied meaning that "researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment (1 April 2025)".
- Candidates are not permitted to already hold a doctoral degree.
- Candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally (e.g. for an internship with one of our partners in the SCALA project).
- Previous experience in the neuropsychological assessment of (neurological) patient groups is desirable.
- Solid statistical knowledge and experience with software packages (e.g. “SPSS”, “R”), as well as neurobehavioral experiment programs (e.g. “Presentation”), would be advantageous.
- Other desirable skills include: a high level of motivation, reliability, team spirit, careful and independent working methods, and excellent communication skills.
Advantages for you:
- By joining the EU-UKRI-funded doctoral network SCALA, you will join an interdisciplinary and intersectoral training network involving universities, companies and several associated partners. The network will provide online and in-person training to support the fellows in obtaining their doctorate degree including secondments at partner universities and companies.
- Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
- If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
- As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
- From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Eligibility check and application procedure:
- We strongly advise all candidates to submit their details for eligibility checking by 15 September 2024 (see https://scala-project.eu/recruitment/.
- In addition to the two positions offered here, there are 15 additional doctoral projects available in the SCALA network (see https://scala-project.eu/phd-positions/ for a list of available projects).
- The following documents must be included in the application:
- a motivation letter
- a detailed CV (preferably in EU pass format)
- transcripts of bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- two letters of reference
- if English or German is not your native language, please provide proof of proficiency, such as certificates or degrees completed in these languages
- Please note that the other network partners will be involved in the selection process and that your documents will be passed on to the other members of the MSCA doctoral network in this context.
- The applications will be evaluated by the SCALA selection committee and suitable candidates invited for interviews
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr Nils C. Landmeyer (nils.landmeyer@ukmuenster.de)
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your documents for the eligibility check by 15 September 2024. Full applications are due by 2024-10-20. Full applications are to be submitted electronically, in a single PDF file, sent to nils.landmeyer@ukmuenster.de. Please use “Application SCALA” as the subject of your email. Interviews are planned for late October.
Please note that we cannot consider other file formats
Reference number: 2024_08_28
