W2 Professorship for Image Data Analysis and Neurodegenerative Ataxia

The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a University of Excellence.

At the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Bonn, in collaboration with the Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, DZNE), the position of

W2 Professorship for Image Data Analysis and Neurodegenerative Ataxia

is to be filled at the earliest opportunity as part of a joint appointment according to the
Jülich model.

We are looking for an internationally recognized personality in the field of imaging biomarker research for ataxia disorders. The focus of the translational research activities should lie on developing qualitative and quantitative biomarkers and multimodal disease models for neurodegenerative ataxia disorders, including systematic further developments in the pioneering areas of ultra-high-field MRI imaging, image data-based digital biomarkers, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based and AI-informed image analysis procedures.

Proven experience in evaluating structural MRI data, developing and applying AI-based methods of analyzing image data in neurodegenerative ataxia disorders and other movement disorders, and expertise in developing data-driven disease models are required. Experience in coordinating multicenter observational studies is also expected.

Alongside excellent technical expertise and corresponding publications, the job holder must have experience in successfully acquiring national and international third-party funding and demonstrate active involvement in national and international consortia and steering committees. Experience in teaching and in the scientific supervision of employees, interdisciplinary collaboration at the intersection of medicine, mathematics, and bioinformatics, and a strong willingness to collaborate are also expected.

Close cooperation with the Transdisciplinary Research Area “Life and Health” and other research networks, and a thematic alignment with the research and clinical specialisms of the Faculty of Medicine and the University Hospital Bonn are expressly desired. On the part of the DZNE, the aim is for the professorship to take on the management of a newly founded working group at the DZNE, based within the Human Imaging research area.

The establishment and appointment of the professorship is intended to further strengthen interdisciplinary, clinical-translational research through collaborations with the Department of Neuroradiology. It is desirable for the successful candidate to have teaching responsibilities during the clinical phase of the Human Medicine degree program. This requires German language skills at C1 level, or it is expected that the candidate will be willing to acquire these within a short time. Experience in collaborating in and coordinating clinical observational and interventional studies and proven knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) are also desirable.

The successful candidate must have completed university studies in medicine and specialist certification in neurology or specialist certification in radiology with a subspecialty in neuroradiology, be qualified to teach in the Faculty of Medicine, and have evidence of academic achievements. A doctorate in a relevant field and a habilitation or equivalent qualifications are required for the application. The recruitment criteria are in line with Section 36 of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz NRW).

The University of Bonn promotes an open, respectful, and non-discriminatory academic culture and is actively committed to equal opportunity and family friendliness. We aim to eliminate structural disadvantages and to strengthen diversity in research, teaching, and administration. Therefore, we welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic or social background, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability, or age. Applications from women and people with a documented severe disability (or equivalent status) will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the State Equality Act (LGG) NRW and Social Code (SGB) IX.

Qualified candidates are asked to apply via the Appointment Portal of the University of Bonn (). The application can be submitted in German or English by August 27, 2026.

Dean’s Office in the Faculty of Medicine

University of Bonn

Venusberg-Campus 1 | Haus 33, 53127 Bonn

Further information on the appointment procedure can be found at: ()