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Faculty of Psychology :
AE Neuropsychology
CRC 1844 "Episodic Memory"
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) from 01.01.2027, pending funding approval, we are looking for one
Research associate (m/f/x) for the CRC 1844 "Episodic Memory", Subproject A13 "The role of self-models in the self-memory dynamicsin episodic recall"
The Department of Neuropsychology investigates the neural basis of learning, memory, and spatial navigation in humans. We combine state-of-the-art methods of cognitive neuroscience (fMRI at 3T and 7T, intracranial EEG, human single cell recordings) with approaches from AI. A particular focus is the analysis of event-specific memory traces using multivariate analysis methods (e.g., representational similarity analysis and deep neural network models). Our long-term vision is to identify the neural traces of memories for specific events, their transformation during learning and memory consolidation, and their impairment in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. More information on our group can be found here: http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/neuropsy/indexE.htm The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center “Episodic Memory” (CRC 1844), an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of researchers from psychology, computational neuroscience, philosophy, and neuroscience. The basis for our research is the Scenario Construction Framework which conceptualizes episodic memory as mental simulations of past episodes, constructed from episodic memory traces and semantic information. As a part of this team, you will be trained in interdisciplinary research and have access to a broad spectrum of initiatives to support you in your academic journey. In this specific subproject, PIs Albert Newen and Nikolai Axmacher will collaborate to investigate, both theoretically and empirically, the dynamics between self and episodic memory (EM) in standard scenario construction, PTSD, and depression. Based on a conceptualization of the self, we describe the bidirectional influence between self and EM. Using fMRI, we measure neural correlates of generalization processes involved in scenario construction to disclose the modified self-memory dynamics in PTSD and depression. We expect to clarify central aspects of generative EM and improve our understanding of mnemonic disturbance in depression and PTSD. The PhD student in the Axmacher group will be responsible for fMRI studies using an experimental model of PTSD-related memory intrusions in healthy participants and using autobiographical memory tasks in depression patients.
We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, or a related field and strong programming and statistical skills to carry out the proposed project.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, until December 31st, 2030 (end of project)
Start: from 01.01.2027, pending funding approval
Apply by: 2026-10-19
Your tasks:
- Development of experimental paradigms
- Acquisition of MRI data
- Analysis and publication of MRI data
- Close collaboration with PIs and ECRs from other subprojects, especially the philosophy department
Your profile:
- Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science or a related field
- Strong programming and statistical skills
- Prior experience with fMRI is an advantage
- Working independently, in a structured manner, and with a focus on results
- Enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers
We offer:
Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team, Extensive training and professional development opportunities, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings
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.
This position is being advertised subject to project approval.
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/daf/mitarbeitende/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:
Joachim Koenen , Tel.: +49 234 32 28674
Prof. Dr. Nikolai Axmacher
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 2026-10-19. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6196.
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