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Faculty of Psychology :
Developmental psychology
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date or by 1 November 2026, we are looking for 1
Postdoctoral research associate in infant sleep research (m, f, x) for 2 years; 39.83 hours per week; TVL E13
The developmental psychology lab is seeking a postdoctoral research associate (m,f,x) to conduct research on infant sleep in the transdisciplinary. The goals of NAP are to gain a deeper understanding on infant sleep by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and inclusion of stakeholders from the public, and to translate scientific findings for use in everyday life and practice. NAP is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. We are looking for a highly motivated infant sleep researcher (m,f,x) with an interest in developmental psychopathology/clinical psychology. The ideal candidate (m,f,x) has some experience with interdisciplinary work, an interest in science communication, and at least basic knowledge of the German language or the motivation to learn.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 2 years
Start: at the earliest possible date or by 1 November 2026
Apply by: 2026-07-28
Your tasks:
- Design, conduct, analyse, and write up studies on infant sleep for publication, with a focus on research questions in the area of developmental psychopathology/clinical psychology.
- Train and supervise other lab members, research assistants, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the use and analyses of sleep measures.
- Engage with national and international collaboration partners during the entire research process.
- Present at internal and external symposia and scientific conferences.
- Regularly contribute to outreach and science communication.
Your profile:
- You are an enthusiastic sleep researcher with a keen interest in the role of sleep for development and well-being in the first years of life.
- You are experienced in conducting, analysing, and writing up sleep studies with infants, as evidenced by relevant peer-reviewed publications.
- You have a PhD in psychology or a related discipline (by the end of October 2026 at the latest) and can take up the position on 1 November 2026 or earlier.
- You speak and write English fluently, German language skills are a plus.
- You are a highly motivated team player who enjoys engaging with researchers from different backgrounds and disciplines.
- You are interested in science communication and in engagement with members of the public.
- This position requires on-site presence. You are prepared and able to conduct data collection around the participating families’ schedules.
- You are capable of and motivated to train fellow lab members, research assistants, and students in the use of different sleep assessments and their analyses.
We offer:
- A stimulating research environment that includes laboratories equipped for using a variety of methods (eye tracking, thermal imaging, behavioral observations; mobile sleep EEG).
- Opportunities for collaborations with national and international sleep researchers, including research stays at collaborating labs.
- Opportunities to engage in science communications.
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high degree of personal responsibility.
- Cooperative work in a committed, international and supportive team.
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 E 13 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.
Information on the developmental psychology lab can be found here: https://www.epsy.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/epsy/index.html.en The position is offered as part of a project funded by the Volkswagen Foundation.
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. Sabine Seehagen Tel.: +49 234 32 22672
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 2026-07-28. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5872.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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