DZNE is a world-leading, internationally oriented center for cutting-edge research into diseases of the nervous system.

At 10 locations in Germany, around 1,200 employees are working together on new approaches to better understand and effectively combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. 

That is our goal - maybe soon yours too? Become part of the DZNE and support us in realizing our research strategy!

PhD Candidate (f/m/x) in Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline and Dementia

Code: 1434/2025/5

The group of Prof Dr. Dr. Monique Breteler is seeking a PhD Candidate in Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline and Dementia within the area of Population Health Sciences located at the headquarters of the DZNE in Bonn, Germany. We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious researcher who is interested in studying biomarkers and risk factors associated with cognitive decline and dementia as part of their PhD thesis.

The research group of Prof Dr. Dr. Breteler studies the determinants and biomarkers of normal and pathological mental and physical health functions over the course of adulthood, with a special emphasis on neurodegenerative diseases and ageing. The research is primarily based on the Rhineland Study, a prospective cohort study that emphasizes deep phenotyping, which includes over 12,500 individuals with longitudinal data available for 5,000 thus far.

The Rhineland Study collects detailed structural and functional brain imaging data, cognitive and behavioral assessments, cardiovascular investigations, sensory systems assessments, data on medical history, lifestyle, nutrition and mental health, as well as biomaterials. Furthermore, extensive omics analyses are available for a large panel of participants.

Your role in detail

As a PhD candidate, you will investigate the early biomarkers and predictive signatures of cognitive decline and dementia leveraging the rich, longitudinal dataset of the Rhineland Study. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team and contribute to one of the most pressing challenges in population neuroscience: understanding, predicting and preventing cognitive aging. Your tasks will include:

leading and supporting the acquisition and processing of neurocognitive, imaging, and/or molecular data; analyzing complex longitudinal datasets using advanced statistical and computational methods; writing scientific publications and presenting your findings at national and international conferences.

This position offers the opportunity to contribute to high-impact research with strong real-world implications and to develop your skills in a collaborative, methodologically diverse research environment.

Your qualifications

• Master degree in epidemiology, biomedical sciences, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related discipline
• Demonstrable interest in quantitative research, the possession of strong data analytical skills, and the ability for independent and critical thinking
• Experience in epidemiological research or large-scale clinical studies is desirable
• Statistical knowledge and R coding skills are desirable
• Flexibility and strong interpersonal skills
• Strong communication and writing skills in the English language are a prerequisite and German language skills are strongly desired

What our employees’ value

• Innovation and internationality - a forward-looking infrastructure, modern laboratory and office equipment, software tools and the opportunity for international exchange with your colleagues from 65 nations
• Work-life balance - we reconcile work and private life with flexible working hours, mobile working, 30 days' holiday (On top free on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve) and subsidized job/ Germany ticket options
• Family-conscious corporate culture - because we know that family is important, we support you with parent-child offices, family services and daycare co-operations
• Health promotion – through our extensive range of company health programs, in cooperation with Sozialwerk.Bund
• Focus on development - excellent publication opportunities and great potential for the further development of your own research profile
• Remuneration and conditions according to TVöD-Bund - including annual special payment, capital-forming benefits and VBL supplementary pension scheme
• Personalised Onboarding - for a good start to your new professional challenge
• A feel-good working environment - our Bonn employees enjoy a campus surrounded by greenery, with on-site parking and public transport connections as well our company restaurant
• Job with prospects - The position is initially limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension

The PhD position will be integrated into the Bonn International Graduate School of Clinical and Population Science and further training in epidemiological, statistical and computational methods will be provided as needed.

How to apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a CV, and transcripts in one single PDF file. The cover letter should describe your motivation of applying for this position and detail how your research interest and experience align with the research conducted in our group. Please highlight any relevant projects, publications, or collaborations. Note: We highly value authenticity in applications and discourage the use of AI-generated cover letters.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For inquiries about the position, please contact Prof Dr Dr Monique Breteler at population-research@dzne.de

Site

Application deadline

22.05.2025