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Faculty of Psychology :
AE Neuropsychology
FOR 6027 "Layers of Memory"
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25.89 hours/week = 65%) as of January 1st, 2027 (flexible), we are looking for one
Research associate (m/f/x) for the FOR 6027 "Layers of Memory", Subproject P2 "Precision neuroimaging of laminar activation in the MTL"
The Department of Neuropsychology investigates the neural basis of learning, memory, and spatial navigation in humans. We combine state-of-the-art methods of cognitive neuroscience (fMRI at 3T and 7T, intracranial EEG, human single cell recordings) with approaches from AI. A particular focus is the analysis of event-specific memory traces using multivariate analysis methods (e.g., representational similarity analysis and deep neural network models). Our long-term vision is to identify the neural traces of memories for specific events, their transformation during learning and memory consolidation, and their impairment in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. More information on our group can be found here: http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/neuropsy/indexE.htm A PhD position is available in the Department of Neuropsychology (head: Prof. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher) at the Faculty of Psychology, starting 01.01.2027[SA2.1]. This position is part of the Research Unit “Layers of Memory” (FOR 6027). The overarching aim of the Research Unit is to unravel the mesoscale organization of the human medial temporal lobe using laminar 7T MRI in order to obtain a more mechanistic understanding of the neural processes underlying human memory and spatial navigation. The Research Unit comprises eight projects across eight sites in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, bringing together complementary expertise from cognitive and clinical neuroscience and MR physics. The specific subproject of the open position will be jointly led by PIs Nikolai Axmacher (Ruhr University Bochum) and Oliver Speck (Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg). We will use a precision neuroimaging approach at the world-leading Terra.X Impulse Edition 7T MR scanner at OVGU Magdeburg in order to investigate the laminar activity profiles of episodic memory and spatial navigation. Both paradigms will be conducted in small groups of participants across many hours, resulting in datasets with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity that will serve as benchmarks for the assessment of laminar activity differences in the MTL.
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, or a related field and strong programming and statistical skills to carry out the proposed project.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 4 years
Start: as of January 1st, 2027 (flexible)
Apply by: 2026-10-19
Your tasks:
- Development of experimental paradigms
- Acqusition of MRI data
- Analysis and publication of MRI data
- Close collaboration with PIs and ECRs from other subprojects
Your profile:
- Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science or a related field
- Strong programming and statistical skills
- Prior experience with fMRI is an advantage
- Working independently, in a structured manner, and with a focus on results
- Enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Extensive training and professional development opportunities, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
- Joint supervision by two PIs in Bochum and Magdeburg
- Dedicated 7T workshops of our Research Unit
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.
This position is being advertised subject to project approval.
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:
Joachim Koenen , Tel.: +49 234 32 28674
Prof. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher
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 2026-10-19. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6198.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
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Universitätsstraße 150
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