About the opportunity
The Chair of Philosophy of Language and Cognition at Ruhr University Bochum is seeking a PhD candidate for a fixed-term, part-time (65%) position. This role is part of the DFG-funded project ‘The evaluation of empathy-related linguistic performance in large language models: Comparing surprisal values for next-word prediction in human EEG and LLMs’ within the DFG priority area LaSTing. The successful candidate will conduct behavioral and EEG experiments, analyze Large Language Models, and develop a theoretical framework of empathy and emotions to evaluate AI relative to human cognition. The position offers an opportunity to work in a research-active environment with access to excellent facilities, including EEG, fMRI, and VR labs. Teaching is not required for this position.
Salary and benefits
- Salaried position based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L), pay grade E13
- Cutting-edge research environment on humanoid AI
- Access to excellent research facilities including EEG, fMRI, VR labs, and computational modelling at THINK
- Integration into a renowned research team and a wide network of expert researchers
- Free German language courses provided for employees
Who can apply?
- Master's degree in Language Science, Cognitive Science, or Philosophy (to be completed by the start of employment)
- Experience with EEG and/or LLMs is advantageous
- Competence in either German or English, with a willingness to learn the other
Required documents
- Letter of interest (maximum one page)
- CV including publications
- Copies of certificates
- Names of two referees
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-09-21
How to apply
- Prepare the required documents including a letter of interest, CV, certificates, and referee names
- Submit the application via the official online application portal
- Reference number ANR 6068 must be mentioned in the application
Additional information
- The position is fixed-term for 36 months
- The position is part-time (25.8895 hours/week = 65%)
- The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum
- Travel, accommodation, and other application costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed
- The Staff Council has the right to 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…
- Master's graduates in Language Science, Cognitive Science, or Philosophy.
- Candidates with hands-on experience in EEG experiments or Large Language Models.
- Researchers interested in the intersection of AI, human cognition, and empathy.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is a part-time (65%) position, which may impact total take-home pay compared to full-time roles.
- The position is on-site in Bochum, requiring physical presence for lab work.
- Applicants must be willing to learn German if they are not already proficient, as the environment is in Germany.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This position is perfect for a candidate aiming to complete a PhD within a high-tech, interdisciplinary environment. With access to EEG, fMRI, and VR labs, it provides the resources necessary to conduct cutting-edge research on AI and human cognition, setting the stage for a future career in cognitive science or AI ethics.
Our take
A fantastic opportunity for early-career researchers in cognitive science who want to work with advanced experimental facilities and contribute to AI-related linguistic research.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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