Position Overview

The Neuroimaging Lab within the Department of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Parma is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Postdoctoral Fellow to join our interdisciplinary research team. We specialize in advanced neuroimaging and the development of innovative imaging technologies with a strong emphasis on translational applications in robotics and neuroscience.

The appointed researcher will focus on investigating the neural basis of communicative social actions, with the aim of remapping these mechanisms into a humanoid robot (iCub). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a cutting-edge project that bridges cognitive neuroscience, neuroimaging, and humanoid robotics.

Contract Info: The Research contract will start on 1st November 2025 and last for 2 years, renewable for an additional year. This open position is funded by Fondo Italiano per la Scienza grant.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and analyze functional MRI (fMRI) studies.
• Apply advanced imaging techniques, including Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI).
• Analyze brain functional connectivity using static and dynamic models.
• Employ Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) to investigate brain network dynamics.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of neuroscientists, cognitive scientists, and roboticists.

Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and grant proposals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in fMRI research, including data acquisition and preprocessing.
• Proficiency in neuroimaging analysis tools such as SPM, FSL, CONN, or comparable software.
• Solid understanding of brain connectivity and network modeling techniques.
• Experience with Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) is highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
  
  
  

Application Instructions

To apply, please send an email to Dr. Giuseppe Di Cesare at  giuseppe.dicesare@unipr.it

Further Information

To learn more about the lab and our ongoing projects, please visit:
Vitality Lab – University of Parma