About the opportunity
The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1844, ‘Episodic Memory,’ is an interdisciplinary consortium at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. This doctoral position (Project A10) involves developing and investigating computational models of the functional role of episodic memory in spatial navigation. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary setting, collaborating closely with experimental groups in psychology and neuroscience. The research will utilize techniques from modern artificial neural networks and deep reinforcement learning. The position is based in the new research building THINK, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive environment for researchers, including childcare and networking spaces.
Salary and benefits
- Salaried position based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L), typically pay grade E13
- Flexible working options including mobile working and teleworking
- Access to extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Support for combining family life and work, including childcare arrangements and parent-child offices
- Collaboration in an interdisciplinary, committed, and appreciative team
- No teaching obligation if funded by third-party funds
Who can apply?
- Master’s degree in neuroscience, physics, computer science, mathematics, psychology, or a related field
- Excellent programming skills
- Experience in mathematical modeling
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary setting
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Competence in German or English, with a willingness to learn the other
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic transcripts
- Research statement
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-02
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents as a single PDF file
- Submit the application via the official online application portal
- Reference number ANR 6181 must be mentioned in the application
Additional information
- The position is fixed-term until 31.12.2030, pending funding approval
- The position is part-time (29.87 hours/week, 75%)
- Start date is 01.01.2027
- Travel and interview costs are not reimbursed
- The university provides free language courses for employees
- The Staff Council may participate in selection interviews upon 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…
- Ideal for graduate students with a strong background in both mathematical modeling and programming who are eager to apply deep reinforcement learning to cognitive neuroscience.
- Excellent for those seeking a long-term, stable doctoral position within a well-funded, interdisciplinary research center until 2030.
- A great fit for researchers who value a supportive, family-friendly work environment with access to modern research facilities like the THINK building.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is part-time (75%), which may impact total compensation compared to a full-time role.
- Applicants should be prepared to work in an interdisciplinary environment where collaboration with psychologists and philosophers is essential.
- While English is a primary working language, candidates must be willing to learn German, as it is a campus language.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is an excellent opportunity for a researcher looking to bridge the gap between computational modeling and experimental neuroscience. It offers a structured, long-term environment to complete a PhD while contributing to a high-profile Collaborative Research Center, making it ideal for those aiming for a career in academia or advanced research-intensive industries.
Our take
Candidates with a strong technical background in modeling and a genuine interest in episodic memory should apply. It is particularly suitable for those who thrive in collaborative, interdisciplinary settings and value institutional support for work-life balance.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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