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Faculty of Psychology :
Psychological Methods lab
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (75%) 01.10.2026, we are looking for one
Doctoral researcher (m/f/d) for the Psychological Methods lab
At the Psychological Methods lab at the Faculty of Psychology, we conduct research on loneliness, well-being, and personality across the lifespan. For more information on our research, please visit http://www.pml.psy.rub.de. The position to be filled is part of the ERC project "Loneliness across time and space (LOTIS)" funded by the European Union. For more information on the project, please visit https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169640.
LOTIS is a five-year project funded by an ERC Consolidator Grant that attempts to advance our understanding of how loneliness and places are linked. We are looking for a doctoral researcher (75%, 36 months) who will contribute to the implementation of the central longitudinal study of the project, a three-year study combining experience sampling and mobile sensing in four repeated waves. The study will be conducted in Bochum, Germany. The doctoral researcher will be part of an international project team consisting of at least two other doctoral and postdoctoral researchers and the supervisor and principal investigator Prof. Luhmann. In addition, there is the possibility for further research cooperations within the Psychological Methods team. Please note that this position is not suitable for a remote-only arrangement.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years/ 36 month
Start: 01.10.2026
Apply by: 2026-02-23
Your tasks:
- Implementation of the first phase of a three-year longitudinal study combining experience sampling and mobile sensing methodology
- Data management and data analysis
- Publication of English-language articles on the project results
- Implementation of Open Science principles in all project phases (e.g., pre-registration of studies, transparent research data management)
- Science communication on the project (e.g. public talks, media interviews)
Your profile:
- M.Sc. or equivalent in psychology
- Prior experience with loneliness research
- Prior experience in conducting empirical data collection for research projects
- Prior experience with analysis of longitudinal and/or experience sampling data
- Advanced data analytic skills (e.g., multilevel modeling; structural equation modeling) and advanced knowledge of the statistical software package R
- Demonstrable enthusiasm for the topic of the project
- Demonstrable interest in science communication
- Experience with open science (e.g., preregistered master thesis)
- Excellent command of written and spoken German and English, ideally prior experience with writing research reports (e.g. master thesis) in English
- Because of its focus on the city of Bochum, local knowledge of the city and geography is of advantage
- Reliability, ability to work in an international team, effective self-management, and high commitment
We offer:
Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Extensive training and professional development opportunities, A qualified on-boarding and induction process
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Maike Luhmann , Tel.: +49 234 32 24624
Stephanie Hedtfeld , Tel.: +49 234 32 27169
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-02-23. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5414.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA