Founded in 1607, Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) is a research university rich in tradition. Inspired by curiosity about the unknown, we enable around 25,000 students and 5,800 employees to advance science for society. Join us in breaking new ground and writing success stories - your own and those of our university.

We invite outstanding early career scientists with a doctoral degree working in any of the fields pursued in the Excellence Cluster "The Adaptive Mind” to apply for the position as

The full-time position at the Faculty of Psychology and Sports Science at JLU starts 01.07.2026 and is initially available for the duration of 4 years with the opportunity to apply for a tenure-track. The salary is in accordance with the collective labour agreement of the State of Hessen (E 14 TV-H).

In the context of Germany’s top-tier funding initiative, the new Cluster of Excellence "The Adaptive Mind” (TAM, EXC 3066) has been established at the universities of Giessen, Marburg and Darmstadt in collaboration with the University of Frankfurt and the Frankfurt Institute of Advanced Studies (FIAS). In "The Adaptive Mind”, we combine state-of-the-art experimental psychology and behavioral and cognitive neuroscience research with approaches from psychiatry and clinical psychology, as well as quantitative analyses and computational modeling using artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics. Our goal is to measure and model the adaptation of natural human behavior in a constantly changing and unpredictable world. Further details on the cluster project can be found here: https://theadaptivemind-excellencecluster.de/. The Adaptive Mind offers a dynamic ecosystem of cutting-edge science with a large and supportive community of researchers motivated to understand the grand challenges of the mind. We warmly welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who bring passion and advanced skills to the cluster.

Resources and opportunities

The successful candidate will lead their own independent Research Group within the Cluster of Excellence "The Adaptive Mind” with the intellectual freedom to pursue an original research programme. Their funding package covers a PhD position (75%, E13 TV-H), 25K Euro start-up funds (direct project costs) and an annual budget of 6K Euro for the initial 4 years. Once accepted for the position as Research Group Leader, candidates will be offered access to mentoring to discuss progress, identify training and career development needs, and help them to forge the connections they need to pursue their career, whether in academia or beyond. They can also apply for additional funding for collaborative research projects within the Cluster of Excellence, and for participating in and organising workshops, conferences and networking events. These measures will be complemented by an individualised course programme in advanced transferable skills.

Your qualifications and competences

• A Master’s or equivalent university degree as well as a doctoral degree (PhD/DPhil/Dr.)
• An outstanding publication record related to the topics of the Excellence Cluster
• Scientific independence and ingenuity, with the ability to lead a group
• An innovative and ambitious research program using state-of-the-art neuroscience methods and approaches, such as motion tracking, virtual reality or computational modeling
• Willingness and competence to collaborate across disciplines and institutions

Our offer to you

• Participating in and shaping our cutting-edge research program on the adaptation of human mind and behaviour
• A collaborative, international, and supportive research environment, offering abundance of opportunities for professional career development and networking within the German and international research landscape
• Flexible working hours
• Free use of local public transport (LandesTicket Hessen)
• More than 100 university seminars, workshops and e-learning courses per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports activities
• Salary in accordance with TV-H, occupational pension scheme, child allowance and special payments
• Good work-life balance (certificate ‘audit familiengerechte hochschule’ [family-friendly university])

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Roland W. Fleming ( roland.w.fleming ) and Prof. Dr. Katja Fiehler ( Katja.Fiehler ) by email.

JLU welcomes qualified applications regardless of biological and social gender, disability, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, age as well as sexual orientation and identity. The JLU aims for a higher proportion of women in accordance with the women's promotion plan. We therefore particularly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. JLU is certified as a family-friendly university. Applications from disabled people of equal aptitude will be given preference.

You want to break new ground with us?
Apply via our online form by April 12th, 2026 , indicating reference number 186/06. Your application should include the following documents:

• a cover letter
• a CV
• a list of publications
• a research proposal of no more than five pages total (11 point type, double-spaced, Times New Roman) including all references, figures, and tables
• two letters of recommendation