Job Description

Immediately or by agreement

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USZ Campus

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Are you interested in advancing neuroimaging after traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

TBI is the leading cause of disability in young and working-age populations and is the most common external risk factor for dementia. Up to 90% of patients are initially classified as having mild TBI; however, half of them experience incomplete recovery with various neuropsychiatric sequelae, despite no visible brain pathology on current state-of-the-art diagnostics.

We are conducting a prospective, longitudinal, confirmatory quantitative study in adolescents and adults aged 16 to 60 years at the University Hospital Zurich. The project includes multimodal assessments (cognition, sleep, psychiatric burden, blood markers, gut microbiome) and advanced neuroimaging to investigate changes in brain morphology, volumetry, connectivity, and metabolism over 12 months. Our goal is to develop a new diagnostic algorithm that will help identify TBI patients at risk for unfavorable neuropsychiatric outcomes at an early stage.

What we offer

One PhD position (70%) funded for 24 months (3rd and 4th year will be funded upon successful acquisition of additional funding) Research on frontal lobe dysfunction and its relevance for cognitive and neuropsychiatric outcomes after mild TBI Excellent research environment with internationally recognized scientists and state-of-the-art technology Outstanding scientific supervision within the Department of Neuroradiology, including weekly meetings Structured training through the Zurich Neuroscience Center (ZNZ) Bi-monthly lab meetings with opportunities to present your project and learn from others in the Rauen research group Individual career mentoring & coaching, methodology courses, soft skills workshops, and conference travel support International scientific and clinical collaborations within neurotrauma and neuroimaging networks, with opportunities to publish in high-ranked peer-reviewed journals

Requirements

Highly motivated students holding an MSc in Neuroscience, Neuroradiology, Psychology, or a related field, or candidates aiming for an MD/PhD Demonstrated academic excellence in BSc/MSc studies Excellent German (C2) and English (C1) language skills

Application

Please send your motivation letter, CV, and certificates by email by November 16, 2025:

AG Rauen Neuropsychiatry

PD Dr. med. Katrin Rauen, FEBN

Senior Research Associate

Institute of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Zurich

Junior Research Group Leader, ZNZ, Zurich

Prof. Dr. phil. Lars Michels

Senior Assistant

Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital Zurich

Research Group Leader, ZNZ, Zurich
Mail katrin.rauen@uzh.ch; lars.michels@usz.ch

Benefits

On-site Day Care Center
Health
Flexibility
Family friendliness
Further education & development
Insurance
Mobility
Telephony

More benefits

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About USZ

The University Hospital of Zurich is one of the largest hospitals in Switzerland. Our more than 8,600 employees and around 700 trainees work every day for the well-being of our patients.