About the opportunity
The Collaborative Research Center ‘Episodic Memory’ (CRC 1844) at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is an interdisciplinary consortium focusing on mental simulations of past episodes. This doctoral position within Project A07 centers on developing and investigating computational models of the development of episodic memory using modern artificial neural networks and deep reinforcement learning. The successful candidate will work closely with experimental groups in psychology and neuroscience, based at the new research building THINK in Bochum.
Salary and benefits
- Salaried position based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L), pay grade E13 TV-L upon meeting requirements
- Part-time schedule at 29.87 hours per week (75%)
- No teaching obligation if funded by third-party funds
- Flexible working options including mobile working and teleworking
- Support for combining family and work, including childcare arrangements, holiday offers, and a mobile playroom
- Qualified on-boarding and induction process
Who can apply?
- An excellent master's degree, or equivalent, in computational neuroscience, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field
- Competence in mathematical modelling and statistical analysis
- Excellent programming skills, for example in Python
- Relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Ability to work independently with team spirit and motivation to collaborate in an interdisciplinary setting
Required documents
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum vitae
- Transcripts
- Research statement
When to apply
- Application deadline is November 2, 2026
- Position start date is January 1, 2027, pending funding approval
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents combined into a single PDF file
- Reference the position number ANR 6180
- Submit your application through the online application portal by the deadline
Additional information
- The position is fixed-term until December 31, 2030, marking the end of the project
- The workplace is Ruhr University Bochum
- Campus languages are German and English, with competence in at least one and willingness to learn the other required; free courses are provided
- Travel, accommodation, and application costs for job 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…
- Holders of a master's degree in computational neuroscience, computer science, physics, or mathematics who possess strong Python skills
- Researchers eager to apply deep reinforcement learning and artificial neural networks to cognitive and neuroscience questions
- Candidates seeking an interdisciplinary PhD journey tightly integrated with experimental psychology and philosophy groups
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is offered on a 75% part-time basis at 29.87 hours per week
- Funding is pending final approval, and the position is fixed-term until December 31, 2030
- Relocation to Bochum, Germany, is required as the physical workplace is at Ruhr-Universität Bochum
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position offers a structured PhD trajectory within a well-resourced Collaborative Research Center, making it an excellent opportunity for researchers looking to build an academic profile at the intersection of machine learning and neuroscience without mandatory teaching duties.
Our take
Master's graduates with strong computational modeling skills and an interest in episodic memory should apply before November 2, 2026, keeping in mind the part-time scope and fixed-term duration.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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