About the opportunity
The Department of Neuropsychology at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is seeking a research associate for a PhD position within the Research Unit FOR 6027 ‘Layers of Memory’. The project aims to unravel the mesoscale organization of the human medial temporal lobe using laminar 7T MRI. The successful candidate will work on subproject P4, which focuses on disentangling laminar activity profiles of the entorhinal cortex during spatial navigation tasks and investigating the impact of cerebellar pathology on these processes. The role involves close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of researchers across Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, with experiments conducted at the Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Essen.
Salary and benefits
- Salary based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L), typically pay grade E13
- 4-year fixed-term contract
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Joint supervision by two PIs in Bochum and Essen
- Access to dedicated 7T workshops
- No teaching obligation if funded by third-party funds
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, or a related field
- Strong programming and statistical skills
- Ability to work independently and in a structured, results-oriented manner
- Interest in working within an interdisciplinary team
- Competence in either German or English, with a willingness to learn the other
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Relevant certificates (e.g., academic degrees, employment references)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-19
- Position start date: 2027-01-01 (flexible)
How to apply
- Prepare application documents including cover letter, CV, and certificates
- Submit application via the official online portal
- Reference number ANR 6200 must be mentioned in the application
Additional information
- The position is part-time (29.87 hours/week, 75%)
- The position is advertised subject to project approval
- Travel and other application costs for interviews are not reimbursed
- The Staff Council may participate in selection interviews upon candidate request
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with a strong background in cognitive neuroscience, particularly those with prior experience in fMRI data acquisition and analysis.
- Researchers who enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and are interested in the neural basis of spatial navigation and memory.
- Individuals seeking a structured PhD program with joint supervision and access to high-end 7T MRI facilities.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is part-time (75%), which may impact total compensation compared to a full-time role.
- The role is fixed-term for 4 years, requiring careful planning for post-doctoral career steps.
- Applicants should be prepared to work across two locations (Bochum and Essen) and potentially travel for consortium meetings.
- While English is a campus language, the requirement to learn German if not already proficient adds a commitment to the role.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for a researcher aiming to pursue a PhD in a high-impact, interdisciplinary research environment. It provides the resources and supervision necessary to develop expertise in advanced neuroimaging techniques and cognitive neuroscience, making it a strong stepping stone for a career in academic research or specialized data science.
Our take
This is a highly suitable opportunity for early-career researchers with a Master's degree in psychology or cognitive science who are eager to specialize in laminar-resolution MRI and spatial navigation. It is less suitable for those seeking permanent employment or those who are unable to commit to the specific research focus of the 'Layers of Memory' consortium.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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