Research Position (m/f/d) (Postdoctoral researcher or PhD student)

• Start: 01.11.2026
• Vergütung: salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
• Umfang: Vollzeit/Teilzeit
• Befristung: befristet (bis zum 30.09.2029)
• Arbeitsort: Bielefeld

The ‘Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience’ research group investigates human experience and behaviour at the interface between the brain, the body and the environment – using a wide range of methods drawn from neuroscience and behavioural science.

The faculty has modern, newly equipped laboratories in the fields of peripheral physiology, eye-tracking, EEG, behavioural research, virtual reality, as well as body-sway and ‘freezing’ paradigms. This infrastructure is complemented by excellent opportunities for ambulatory assessment in everyday life. It is managed to the highest standards, both scientifically and technically, by experienced full-time laboratory managers. From September 2026, a state-of-the-art 3-Tesla MRI research scanner at Bielefeld University will further expand the methodological spectrum and open up additional possibilities.

In terms of content, the research unit’s current projects focus on the mechanisms of defensive behaviour, as well as fear and anxiety processes and social processes. A particular focus is on the long-term consequences of experiences of abuse and trauma. Furthermore, the research unit is interested in individual differences in behaviour and experience, for example through the identification of latent subgroups, as well as in translation-oriented and meta-scientific questions.

Open science, transparency and reproducibility are central guiding principles of our research practice and shape the planning, implementation and evaluation of empirical work.

Ihre Aufgaben

For this vacancy, we are seeking a committed individual who will actively contribute to the research and activities of the research group and further develop their own research interests – preferably (but not exclusively) with a focus on imaging techniques (fMRI/MRI/DTI) as well as multivariate analysis methods and/or computational techniques. Depending on the candidate’s qualifications, the position may be filled either as a postdoctoral researcher (100 % full-time equivalent) or as a doctoral researcher / PhD candidate (75% full-time equivalent).

Research Responsibilities (65 %)

• development and independent implementation of a research program within the thematic focus areas of the research unit.
• further development of an independent academic profile
• design, conduct, and analysis of experimental studies (e. g., behavioral research, psychophysiology, neuroimaging).
• application and further development of quantitative and/or computational methods (e.g., modeling, advanced statistical analyses).
• publication of research findings in international peer-reviewed journals.
• presentation of research results at national and international conferences
• for appointments at the postdoctoral level only: Contribution to the acquisition of third-party funding and/or submission of independent grant applications (e.g., research project proposals)
• active participation in the research activities of the research unit and engagement in interdisciplinary collaboration

Teaching Responsibilities (20 %)

• 4 contact hours per week (Semesterwochenstunden, SWS); reduced proportionally for part-time positions
• participation in undergraduate and graduate teaching in Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, including laboratory courses and experimental practicals
• opportunities to develop and pursue individual teaching and research interests are provided

Other Responsibilities (15 %)

• support for the management of the research unit and research projects, as well as research data management
• participation in faculty-wide committees
• contribution to departmental responsibilities, such as student admissions procedures (BSc/MSc), reading and field excursion weeks, teaching coordination, preparation and grading of examinations and written assignments, and exam invigilation

The position is intended to support the development of early-career researchers. Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.

Ihr Profil

• scientific university degree, preferably in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, data science, or a related and/or natural science discipline (e. .g. Master’s/Diploma)
• A completed, relevant doctoral degree in (cognitive, social, or affective) neuroscience or psychology for the postdoctoral position
• good knowledge of statistics and IT (preferably R, Matlab, Python) for general data analysis
• very good proficiency in written and spoken English
• ability to work effectively in a team
• a collaborative attitude and a high degree of independent, self-directed and committed work
• sufficient proficiency in German to teach courses in Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience in German
• knowledge of and experience with the collection and analysis of (f)MRI data
• knowledge of and experience with computational and/or multivariate analysis methods
• programming skills (R/R Markdown, MATLAB, Python)
• experience in the field of experimental and psychophysiological measurements
• experience with research data infrastructure
• experience in academic work (conference presentations, publications)
• interest in and experience with methods and tools in the field of ‘open and reproducible science’

Wir bieten

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• constant place of work (Bielefeld) without travel activities
• flexible working hours
• 30 days holiday and additional days off on 24.12. and 31.12. (abhängig vom konkreten Arbeitsfeld)
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern work environment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.