Research Scientist

Research Scientist

The to-be-established Center for Affective and Autonomic Neuroscience (CAAN) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin invites applications for two research scientists who are interested in investigating autonomic changes in midlife and their causes and consequences in the brain and body. We are currently recruiting for one research scientist to lead sleep-related projects and one to investigate relationships between autonomic measures and brain outcomes in large longitudinal datasets. The positions are fully funded for four years.

These are roles at the intersection of physiology, computational analysis, and aging neuroscience. Autonomic function shifts dramatically across the adult lifespan, yet these midlife changes are largely missing from current models of aging. High-frequency heart rate variability—a primary index of parasympathetic (vagal) activity—is roughly 80% lower at age 60 than at age 20, while resting sympathetic nerve activity approximately doubles over the same period (for more information, see Mather, 2024, "The emotion paradox in the aging body and brain"). The mechanisms driving these changes, and their downstream consequences for the brain and body, remain poorly understood.

At the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, we study how and why people develop differently over the course of their lives, and how physical, societal, and technological aspects of the environment shape this process. Working across disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, economics, and sociology, we do research within a context that fosters academic freedom, curiosity, and collaborative work to generate insights that help shape living conditions for individuals and societies to thrive. We combine pioneering interdisciplinary research infrastructures with local and inter-national collaboration to generate knowledge that strengthens individuals and society. Our vision is that of a healthy environment and an open society that allows individuals to realize their potential.

For more information, please contact:
sekmather@mpib-berlin.mpg.de

Please apply at:

Research Scientist (sleep physiology):
https://careers.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/jobs/7876578-research-scientist-sleep-physiology-center-for-affective-and-autonomic-neuroscience

Research Scientist (analytic approaches to understanding autonomic change in midlife)
https://careers.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/jobs/7897414-research-scientist-quantitative-center-for-affective-and-autonomic-neuroscience