PhD Position (m/f/d)

At the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, we study how and why people develop differently over the course of their lives, and how physical, societal, and technological aspects of the environment shape this process. Working across disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, economics, and sociology, we do research within a context that fosters academic freedom, curiosity, and collaborative work. Our vision is that of a healthy environment and an open society that allows individuals to realize their potential.

The Center for Lifespan Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (MPIB) in Berlin, Germany, is seeking applications for a

The position is available from October 1, 2026 or later and is limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension.

Job Description

The successful candidate will join the research project, Mapping Early Memory Trajectories Across Species (ATLAS), at the Center for Lifespan Psychology of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (Berlin).

The candidate will lead arc 1 and 2 of ATLAS (see https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/research/research-centers/lip/projects/atlas) in all steps of the research endeavor including the recruitment of participants, data acquisition, data curation, data analysis and publication of results. There are no formal teaching requirements. Additional responsibilities include participating in academic conferences, presenting research findings and project outcomes, and authoring scientific publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

Your Profile

We seek highly motivated candidates with a genuine interest in memory development.

Applicants (m/f/d) must hold, or expect to hold by the starting date, a master's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, or related disciplines. Essential qualifications include:

• hands-on knowledge in conducting experimental research
• keen interest in memory development
• documented skills in at least one programming language (preferably Matlab, R, or Python) are desirable
• experience working with children
• experience with the collection or analysis of EEG data is an advantage
• ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment
• excellent written and spoken English-language skills
• excellent written and spoken German-language skills are an advantage

The successful candidate (m/f/d) will be part of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international institute, embedded in a research environment with outstanding facilities and research infrastructure; see https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/research/research-centers/lip/projects/atlas

Our Offer

We provide a stimulating, international work environment with an engaged, collegial team in Berlin Dahlem. In addition, the following benefits are available:

• Access to training programs offered by the Planck Academy of the MPG
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility to work remotely (as a rule, up to 40%, depending on work processes)
• Annual bonus payment in accordance with the TVöD (German public sector pay scale); 30 days of vacation
• Daycare partnerships with dedicated places; a parent-child rooms at the institute
• Excellent public transport connections (U3 Breitenbachplatz, barrier-free)
• Job ticket
• Institute canteen and biodiverse institute garden
• Various offers related to “health at the workplace” (e.g., fitness room, massage services, yoga) 
• Extensive support services, e.g., International Office, Representative for Employees with Disabilities, Gender Equality Office, mental health support
• Diversity-sensitive working environment (e.g., meetups, networking, accessible and gender-neutral toilets)

Diversity and Inclusion

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich our society and foster scientific excellence. We are committed to increasing the number of women in areas in which they are underrepresented and employing more people with disabilities. We welcome applications from people who belong to groups that are often underrepresented in the workplace due to, among other factors, age, disability/chronic illness, ethnicity, gender identity, and religion. You can find out more about our commitment to diversity and the accommodations available to meet your individual needs by visiting our website: www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/diversity

Your Application

Your application should include the following documents in the specified order: cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates, and the names of 2-3 colleagues who are willing to provide letters if asked.

Please submit your application, without a photo, as one single PDF-document via our recruitment platform. Applications must be submitted by August 31, 2026 to ensure consideration. However, review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

The data protection declaration for the processing of personal data within the scope of your application can be found here:

https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/1589569/en_infos_bewerbung.pdf