PhD position in functional neuroimaging in patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction
Applications are invited for a doctoral research position in the human neuroimaging project "The bladder and the brain - supraspinal control of impaired lower urinary tract function in patients with neurogenic and non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction", funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF, 32003B_135774/1).
Starting September 2011, we will investigate supraspinal lower urinary tract (LUT) control in patients with neurogenic (i.e. multiple sclerosis) and non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction. Patients with non-neurogenic LUT dysfunction will be investigated before and after therapy for their LUT dysfunction. The neuroimaging investigations will consist of a combination of advanced functional (functional MRI for resting state functional connectivity) and structural (diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM)) brain imaging methods.
The candidate has the chance to participate in an innovative and multidisciplinary research project that is based on the long-standing successful collaboration and renowned scientific groundwork of the Institute of Neuroradiology at the University Hospital Zurich and the Neuro-Urology Research Group at the Balgrist University Hospital.
The candidate should hold a Master's degree in neuroimaging, neuroscience, neurobiology, neuropsychology, neurophysiology, physics, or a related field. Fluency in spoken and written English and the ability to work within a multidisciplinary team are essential. Good oral German language skills are not mandatory but are advantageous. Experience with human MRI, or other brain imaging methods is an advantage. Familiarity with analysis software, such as SPM/Matlab or FSL, and experience with programming languages and statistical analysis is a great plus.
Salaries are in accordance with the Swiss National Science Foundation (starting at around 40'000 CHF p.a.). For further information about the project please contact Dr. Lars Michels (lars.michels@kispi.uzh.ch)
Your application includes your CV with a cover letter including a description of your motivation and research interests, a copy of your academic degree(s), and two academic referees to the address below. Reviews of applications will begin on 1 June 2011 and will continue until the position is filled.
Dr. Lars Michels
Department of Neuroradiology
University Hospital Zurich
Sternwartstr. 6
Zürich 8091
Switzerland