Share page
Faculty of Psychology :
Chair of Neuropsychology
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) May 1st, 2026, we are looking for one
Research associate (m/f/x)
The Department of Neuropsychology investigates the neural basis of learning, memory, and spatial navigation in humans, as well as their connection to Alzheimer's disease and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We combine state-of-the-art methods of cognitive neuroscience (fMRI at 3T and 7T, EEG, simultaneous EEG/fMRI measurements, intracranial EEG, human single cell recordings) with the analysis of stimulus-specific memory traces using multivariate analysis methods (e.g., representational similarity analysis and deep neural network models). Our goal is to identify the neural traces of memories of specific events and places, their transformation during learning and memory consolidation, and their impairment in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. For more information about our research, please visit: http://www.ruhr-unibochum.de/neuropsy/indexE.htm
The Neuropsychology Working Group led by Prof. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher at the Faculty of Psychology has a vacancy for a Research Associate starting May 1st, 2026. This position is part of the project “The Transformation of Autobiographical Memories through Empathetic Interactions,” which is funded by the German Research Foundation and the Israel Science Foundation. In the event of employment, your responsibilities will include setting up and conducting the proposed studies.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 Years
Start: May 1st, 2026
Apply by: 2026-03-17
Your tasks:
- Recruiting test subjects
- Collecting behavioral and neuroimaging data using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
- Previous experience in research on emotional memory
- Processing collected data using complex analysis methods
- Supervising student assistants
- preparing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals
Your profile:
- Bachelor's/Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, engineering, or a related field
- Research expertise in the field of emotional memory
- Excellent programming skills
- Experience with data analysis in the field of cognitive neuroscience (fMRI and/or EEG)
- Proficiency in English
We offer:
- Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
- Challenging and diverse tasks with a high level of independence
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities
- Collaboration in a committed, appreciative and international team
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 E12 - 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.
A qualified application is expected.
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. Nikolai Axmacher ,+49 234/3228674
Joachim Koenen , +49 234/3228674
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 2026-03-17. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5484.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA