Within the Collaborative Research Center / Transregio 379 “Neuropsychobiology of Aggression” a postdoctoral position (up to 90% employment) is available starting July 1, 2026 (or later), for a duration of two years.
Postdoctoral position (f/m/d)
Location: Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology
Working hours: 90% of the collectively agreed full-time working hours (currently 38.5 hours/week)
Fixed-term contract: Initially limited to 2 years in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG); an extension is intended
Start date: July 1, 2026
Salary: Pay grade EG 13 according to the collective agreement for the public sector of the federal states (TV-L)
The project investigates the dynamic neural processes underlying reactive aggression in adolescents with mental disorders. In several interactive paradigms, provocation, mistrust, and social exclusion are induced in peer dyads and groups while adolescents’ brain activity is recorded using simultaneous brain measurements (hyperscanning). The advertised position aims to develop and apply advanced statistical methods and graph-based connectivity analyses for hyperscanning research.
In addition, the position involves collaboration in various hyperscanning projects on social interaction, particularly with the goal of further developing innovative data analysis methods and improving methodological approaches for investigating interpersonal neural dynamics.
Responsibilities:
* Further development and implementation of innovative data analysis methods for hyperscanning and social interaction data
* Participation in interdisciplinary research projects on social interaction and aggression
* Data analysis, interpretation, and publication in international peer-reviewed journals
* Supervision and guidance of students and doctoral researchers in scientific projects
* Presentation of findings at national and international conferences
* Support with organizational tasks of the institute and teaching activities
Profile:
* Successfully completed degree in psychology, neuroscience, biology, computer science, engineering, or a related discipline
* Excellent PhD in a relevant field
* Experience with neuro- and psychophysiological methods and analysis techniques (e.g., MRI, EEG, fNIRS, psychophysiology)
* Interest in neuroscientific questions related to social interaction / hyperscanning
* Experience with graph-based analysis methods and/or computational neuroscience is an advantage
* Very good knowledge of research methods and statistical data analysis
* Programming skills in Matlab, Python, and/or R
* High level of commitment, flexibility, independence, and enjoyment of teamwork
* Careful and reliable working style
* Skills in project and self-management
* Good communication skills
Why choose us?
We offer…
* 30 days of vacation
* A bonus of 3,000 euros for employees who help recruit employees in the care sector
* An attractive company pension scheme from VBL
* Education opportunities, including updating and upgrading
* Access to public transport
* In-house kindergarten (places subject to availability)
* Staff residences (places subject to availability and by arrangement)
* An onboarding app for new employees
* Extended opening hours in the staff restaurant