PhD Position (m/f/d) | Ultra-High-Field Layer fMRI of Cognitive Control and Interoception

PhD Position (m/f/d) | Ultra-High-Field Layer fMRI of Cognitive Control and Interoception

Young Researchers Tübingen Neurosciences Cognitive Research

Job Code: Application for PhD-3: Insula

Job Offer from August 21, 2026

How do internal bodily states shape cognitive control? This interdisciplinary project investigates how the anterior insula interacts with the prefrontal cortex to integrate interoceptive signals and guide higher-order cognition. Combining ultra-high-field layer fMRI at 9.4 Tesla, diffusion MRI, and machine learning in humans with causal circuit manipulations in rodents, we aim to uncover the neural mechanisms linking bodily states to cognition. The project is a unique cross-species collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics (Dr. Romy Lorenz, Dr. Jonas Bause) and Heidelberg University (Dr. Sebastian Wieland), with potential implications for anxiety, depression, and somatic symptom disorders.

As part of this interdisciplinary project, Dr. Romy Lorenz is recruiting an ambitious PhD student (f/m/d) to lead the human neuroimaging component and investigate the neural mechanisms linking interoception and cognitive control using cutting-edge cortical layer-specific ultra-high-field fMRI.

Your responsibilities

• Acquire high-resolution laminar fMRI data at 9.4 Tesla and diffusion MRI data at 3 Tesla using state-of-the-art MRI protocols.
• Conduct a dense-sampling MRI study involving repeated measurements within participants, including participant recruitment, MRI data acquisition, and physiological recordings.
• Develop and implement a real-time, closed-loop heartbeat-detection paradigm for interoceptive task fMRI.
• Analyse primarily task-based fMRI data using layer-specific regional analyses, functional connectivity and multivariate pattern analysis approaches.
• Integrate diffusion MRI and functional MRI to investigate structural and functional connectivity between the anterior insula and prefrontal cortex.

Your profile

• Strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, particularly the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive control and higher-order cognition.
• An excellent Master’s degree in cognitive (neuro)science, psychology, biomedical engineering, computer science, physics, or a related discipline.
• A strong background in fMRI data analysis (e.g., FSL, FreeSurfer, ANTS) and very good programming skills in Python and Bash on Linux are required.

• Prior experience in MRI data acquisition is desirable. Experience with ultra-high-field MRI (e.g., 7T) or layer fMRI is an advantage but not required.
• Experience with PsychoPy (task programming), Git/GitHub, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

You will join the Cognitive Neuroscience & Neurotechnology group led by Dr. Romy Lorenz, which focuses on advancing our understanding of the frontoparietal brain network mechanisms that underpin high-level cognition and adaptive behaviour. The group is based at the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen (Germany), which 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 PhD student will receive generous support for professional travel and research needs (~2500€/year). Additionally, the student will have the opportunity to become part of the Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience that provides training courses, summer schools and conferences to further educate doctoral students. Further, the Institute is part of the TübingenNeuroCampus (with more than 100 active groups), offering a vibrant community of international researchers and an enriching environment of collaboration.

The position is available from January 2027 and is initially offered for three years, with the possibility of further extension. The salary is based on the German public sector collective agreement (65% TVöD E13, . 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.

Application

To apply, please submit your application as a single PDF file to Dr. Romy Lorenz (romy.lorenz@tuebingen.mpg.de) with the subject line “Application for PhD-3: Insula”. Your application should include:

• a personal statement (maximum 2 pages) outlining your personal qualifications, research interests and motivation
• a CV, including a list of publications and a link to your GitHub profile
• academic certificates and transcripts of records; and
• the names and contact details of three referees

The application deadline is October 1, 2026.