Research Associate for the Project “Identifying early markers of aberrant cognition: oscillatory and aperiodic brain activity in adolescents at risk for schizophrenia” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG (2 positions)

Institution: Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and Clinical Psychology and Neuroscience

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.02.2027 pending approval of external funding, fixed until 31.12.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline: 2026-11-15

Scope of work: part-time

Weekly hours: 75 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue further academic qualifications outside of their work responsibilities. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The project is located within the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) “Multiscale Neural Dynamics in Healthy and Disordered Cognition.” The interdisciplinary cluster composed of working groups from biology, medicine, psychology and neurosciences investigates the mechanisms of healthy and impaired cognition. It aims to identify new biomarkers, thereby improving the prediction of trajectories of impaired cognition and future therapeutic approaches.

The CRC follows a cross-scale and methodologically diverse research strategy that connects molecular and cellular models, animal models, and human studies. Being a member of the CRC will enable you to gain insights into different scientific approaches and methods, to network with scientists from a variety of disciplines, and to benefit from an excellent scientific environment. Your research and further qualification will be supported through a wide range of measures including methodological and content-related workshops, various support and grant funds, and scientific lecture series.

Within the CRC, you will be contributing to the piloting, implementation and further development of a research project on the topic: “Identifying early markers of aberrant cognition: oscillatory and aperiodic brain activity in adolescents at risk for schizophrenia.” The project focuses on adolescents at increased risk of developing schizophrenia and offers the opportunity to contribute to a highly relevant interface between basic and clinical research.

Key responsibilities include:

• recruitment and cognitive assessment of adolescents
• conducting experimental test sessions using EEG
• carrying out clinical-diagnostic interviews
• data analysis and evaluation, with a focus on EEG analysis
• preparing English-language manuscripts for publication and presenting results at scientific conferences
• close collaboration within the CRC, e.g., contributing to data integration

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• very strong Master’s degree in Psychology or Neuroscience
• research enthusiasm, interest in the topic and willingness to dedicate yourself to ensuring the project’s successful implementation
• prior research experience in conducting and analyzing physiological measurements (especially EEG)
• advanced methodological and statistical knowledge
• excellent spoken and written English skills and the willingness to publish project results internationally
• strong organizational abilities (e.g., through prior project management experience)
• advantageous: programming skills (e.g., in MATLAB, Presentation, E-Prime or similar tools), prior experience with computational modeling and publication experience (e.g., poster presentations and/or contributions to publications)

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

• close integration into an interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre (Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Psychiatry) on the topic “Multi-scale Neural Dynamics in Healthy and Disordered Cognition,” where research is conducted together with other PhD students or postdocs at the interface between basic science (from molecules to the system level) and clinical psychology
• competent scientific supervision and mentoring, also beyond the primary supervisor
• support in achieving your own scientific objectives and goals
• access to laboratories and technical support for conducting the experimental studies
• the opportunity
• to regularly participate in a variety of methods workshops, as well as workshops on scientific publishing
• to attend regular talks in your field of research
• for national and international networking (e.g., through lab rotations within the CRC)
• to supervise Master’s and Bachelor’s students as part of your own research project
• to pursue parallel training in psychological therapy

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Notice regarding the background check under Section 34a of the Hamburg security clearance act (Gesetz zur Regelung der Sicherheitsüberprüfungen, HmbSÜG): On behalf of the person chosen in the selection procedure, this office submits an inquiry to the state office for the protection of the constitution (Landesamt für Verfassungsschutz) regarding any available findings/information which meet the statutory requirements ( and ).

Instructions for applying

Contact

Tania Lincoln

Anja Riesel

Location

Von-Melle-Park 5
20146 Hamburg

Reference number

268

Application deadline

2026-11-15

Use only the online application form to submit your application with the following documents:

• cover letter
• CV
• copies of degree certificate(s)

The selection interviews are expected to take place between 26.11.-03.12.2026.

If you experience technical problems, send an email to .

More information on in selection procedures.