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Faculty of Computer Science :
CRC 1844
Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) from 01.01.2027, pending funding approvel, we are looking for 1
Doctoral Position (m,f,x) in Computational Neuroscience (Project A07)
Are you curious about how the human brain stores and retrieves memories? Do you want to know how this ability develops in children? The Collaborative Research Center “Episodic Memory” (CRC 1844) is an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of researchers from psychology, computational neuroscience, philosophy and neuroscience. The basis for our research is the Scenario Construction Framework which conceptualizes scenarios as mental simulations of past episodes, constructed from episodic memory traces and semantic information.
We are actively seeking a talented PhD student who will work on computational models of the development of episodic memory, in an interdisciplinary setting in close collaboration with experimental groups in psychology and neuroscience. The modeling project will use techniques from modern artificial neural networks and deep reinforcement learning.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, until 31.12.2030 (end of project)
Start: from 01.01.2027, pending funding approvel
Apply by: 2026-11-02
Your tasks:
- Develop and investigate computational models of the development of episodic memory
- Conducting simulations of experimental tasks and interpreting the results
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with experimental and computational neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers
- Present your results and findings in international conferences and scientific journals
Your profile:
- An excellent master’s degree, or equivalent, in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field
- Ability to work independently
- Competence in mathematical modelling and statistical analysis
- Excellent programming skills, e.g., Python
- Relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Team spirit
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary setting
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Support in combining family life and work (including childcare arrangements/holiday offers/mobile playroom), A qualified on-boarding and induction process
As a part of this team, you will be trained in interdisciplinary research and have access to a broad spectrum of initiatives to support you in your academic journey. The CRC will be housed at the new research building THINK in Bochum, which is not only equipped with cutting edge technology, but also houses a childcare area (which includes, e.g., an outside play area, bedroom), parent child offices, common rooms to foster networking, etc.
We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers and those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare can be arranged if events must be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option, parents will be offered a home office solution. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
To apply please upload your letter of motivation, CV, transcripts, and research statement, as single PDF file, via the link at the bottom of the page.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Sen Cheng sen.cheng@rub.de
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-11-02. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6180.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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