About the opportunity
The Center for Medical Psychology and Translational Neuroscience at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum is offering a PhD position for a research associate. This role involves developing and conducting an independent doctoral project at the intersection of basic research and clinical practice. Research areas include chronic pain, persistent physical symptoms, psychological comorbidity, stress, resilience, and mechanisms of therapy response. The position is integrated into the DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centers SFB 1280 ‘Extinction Learning’ and Transregio-SFB 289 ‘Treatment Expectation’, providing an excellent infrastructure for patient-oriented research, clinical practice, and scientific qualification.
Salary and benefits
- Employment contract under the TV-L collective agreement (Entgeltgruppe E 13 TV-L)
- Intensive supervision and excellent opportunities for scientific qualification
- Integration into interdisciplinary research networks (DFG-funded Collaborative Research Centers)
- Collaborative, multi-professional team environment
- Flexible working hours and options for remote work within project-related tasks
- Access to university networking and personal development opportunities
Who can apply?
- Very good university degree (Diploma or Master's) in Psychology
- Strong interest in patient-oriented clinical-psychological research
- High motivation to work in clinical and scientific contexts
- High level of initiative, team spirit, and excellent communication skills
- First experience in working with patients or individuals seeking advice (e.g., counseling, therapy) is desirable
- First experience in planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative studies is desirable
- Proficiency in German and English (or willingness to acquire the other language)
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae (tabular)
- Certificates (e.g., employment references, degree certificates, training certificates)
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-10-05
How to apply
- Prepare application documents including cover letter, CV, and certificates
- Submit application via the official online portal under reference number ANR 6074
Additional information
- The position is part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) and limited to 3 years.
- Approbation and psychotherapeutic training are desirable but not required.
- The university promotes diversity and explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities.
- Travel and other application-related costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed.
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…
- A very good university degree (Diploma or Master's) in Psychology
- A strong interest in patient-oriented clinical-psychological research
- First experience working with patients or individuals seeking advice, such as counseling or therapy
- Initial background in planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative studies
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is structured as a 75% part-time contract spanning 3 years
- Proficiency in German and English is required, or a willingness to acquire the other language
- The workplace is hybrid based in Bochum, requiring candidates to manage project-related tasks accordingly
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
The role suits aspiring researchers aiming to pursue a doctoral degree while gaining hands-on clinical and scientific experience within major DFG-funded collaborative research centers.
Our take
Psychology graduates eager to delve into clinical research and doctoral studies should seriously apply, while those looking for full-time employment or completely remote setups may find it less fitting.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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