Postdoctoral Positions

Population Neuroscience Centre (PONS), Fudan University

The Population Neuroscience Centre (PONS) at the Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, invites applications for postdoctoral fellows and faculty positions. Led by Gunter Schumann, PONS investigates how genetic, environmental, and developmental factors shape brain function and mental health, using neuroimaging, multi-omics, and AI to advance precision psychiatry.

Our work centres on computational models linking environment, brain systems, and behaviour, with a focus on risk, resilience, and mental disorders across development. We develop and apply mechanistic models (e.g. reinforcement learning, normative modelling), generative approaches to augment neuroimaging data, and digital twin brain models for simulation and controlled perturbation of brain systems. We place strong emphasis on data harmonisation and cross-cohort integration, combining neuroimaging, multi-omics, and environmental exposure data to identify biological pathways and inform targeted interventions.

Research Environment

PONS operates across two sites, at Fudan University (Shanghai) and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, providing a highly international research setting. Positions are primarily based in Shanghai, with opportunities for collaboration and exchange with the Berlin site. A limited number of postdoctoral positions may be based in Berlin (typically for one year), depending on project needs and candidate profile. The centre is embedded within ISTBI and closely linked to Huashan Hospital, supporting both fundamental and translational research. PONS provides access to multi-site longitudinal cohorts across Europe and Asia (e.g. IMAGEN, STRATIFY, cVEDA, environMENTAL), integrating neuroimaging, multi-omics, and environmental data within a global collaborative network.

Postdoctoral Positions

We seek candidates with expertise in:

• Neuroimaging / biomedical engineering Computational neuroscience / bioinformatics Multi-omics analysis and data integration Clinical neuroscience Data science / artificial intelligence Applied mathematics / statistics

Requirements

• PhD (completed or near completion) in a relevant field Strong quantitative and programming skills (e.g. Python, R, MATLAB) Experience with large-scale or multimodal datasets is advantageous Ability to work independently in an international, interdisciplinary team

We offer

• Competitive salary (approx. RMB 250,000–500,000 per year) Housing support and institutional benefits Support for international fellowships (e.g. Marie Skłodowska-Curie, Humboldt) Collaboration across the Shanghai–Berlin network Opportunities to develop independent research profiles, including leading sub-projects and co-supervising students

Faculty Positions

Applications are invited at Assistant Professor to Principal Investigator level.

Research areas include:

• Population neuroscience and multimodal neuroimaging Computational psychiatry and imaging genetics AI and machine learning for brain science Multi-omics integration Environmental and translational neuroscience

We offer

• Internationally competitive salary (negotiable) Start-up funding and support for team building Access to major datasets and research infrastructure Support for national and international funding applications

Application Process

Postdoctoral applicants: CV, 1-page research summary, 1–2 page research proposal
Faculty applicants: CV, research statement, future research plan

Contact: xiaoyunyang@fudan.edu.cn
Subject: Postdoctoral Application or Faculty Application + Name

We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities and backgrounds. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.