Join the Lab
PhD position for RTG “Emotional Learning and Memory”
In everyday life, there are many instances in which an aversive event predicts a positive outcome. Yet, how the prospect of a reward linked to a negatively valenced stimulus can change the responding to and representation of the aversive stimulus is unknown. This project aims to establish a classical conditioning paradigm in which a negatively valenced conditioned stimulus (CS) differentially predicts a positively valenced US. This paradigm in combination with computational modelling will allow us to investigate learning related effects at the autonomic (EDA) and neurobiological level (fMRI). With respect to model based fMRI, we will focus on multivariate methods such as representational similarity analysis5 to characterize dynamically changing representations of the CS as a function of learning.
We expect that the pairing with a reward will lead to a decrease of the unpleasantness rating and EDA response to the paired CS. With respect to multivariate neural representation of each CS, we expect them to differ initially in the insula and mPFC, but over time the representations of the aversive CSs in these regions should get more similar to the pattern evoked by the rewarding US. As previous studies have suggested a role of endogenous opioids in signaling hedonic aspects of reward, we expect that the pattern changes described above can be blocked by Naloxone.
PostDoc and PhD position for ERC Advanced grant on “The development of pain persistence”
The BuechelLab invites applications for a PostDoc and a PhD student position in the context of the recently granted ERC Advanced grant Pain Persist. The aim is to test novel ideas about (i) mechanisms of how acute pain leads to persistent pain and (ii) possible strategies to avoid this transition, employing neurocognitive concepts such as expectation, reward and control in combination with functional neuroimaging of the brain (fMRI/EEG) and the spinal cord (fMRI) and computational modelling. See our recent publications to get an idea of the research focus. For more information regarding our work see the Research tab).
The lab constitutes a diverse, vibrant and collaborative research environment, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and excellent core facilities. The institute provides outstanding career opportunities for its scientists (see the alumni tab for careers of our former PhDs and PostDocs ).
We seek talented, dynamic and motivated scientists. Potential applicants will have a degree and PhD (for the PostDoc position)/Master (for the PhD position) in Cognitive Neuroscience, Biology, Neurophysiology, Psychology, Computer Science, Physics or a related field. As computational modelling is key to our projects, mathematical and programming skills are important. Experience in experimental design, experience in the analysis of fMRI and/or EEG data is a plus. Laboratory and Department resources include a research-dedicated 3T Siemens PRISMA MR scanner, concurrent fMRI/EEG setup and an on-site physics group. The lab is associated with the Max Planck School of Cognition. The lab language is English.
If you are interested, please send a curriculum vitae, a statement describing research interests and relevant background and the name of two references to:
Christian Büchel
Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf, buechel@uke.de
If you have just started in Psychology, Neuroscience, or any other related topic ...
We are always open for MSc and BSc projects. Send us an email if you want to know more about possible projects.
And finally, we have a team of student research assistants (HiWis) and are always interested in new applicants. Drop us an email if you are interested.
If you are a Postdoc and ready to start your own group...
We have a good track record of developing talented people and help them to pursue an academic career (see our Alumni page for examples). If you are interested in starting your own independent research group, there are many interesting external funding opportunities, such as an ERC starting grant, ERC consolidator grant or an Emmy-Noether grant by the DFG. We can help you develop ideas, shape your grant and provide you with an excellent research environment to implement your independent group at the Department of Systems Neuroscience. The following labs at the Department of Systems Neuroscience are examples for this career track: https://lonsdorflab.com/ http://www.dnhi-lab.org/ http://www.glascherlab.org/