InstitutionFaculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Department of Psychology, Cognitive Modelling & Decision Neuroscience Lab

Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L

Start date01.01.2026 or later, fixed for a period of two years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Application deadline01.07.2025

Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

The position is financed by the project "Integration of dynamic belief updating across contexts and psychopathology” (funding: DFG). This project is part of the Cognitive Modelling & Decision Neuroscience Lab (PI: Prof. Dr. Sebastian Gluth) and the DFG Research Unit 5389 on "Contextual influences on dynamic belief updating in volatile environments: Basic mechanisms and clinical implications" (speaker: Prof. Dr. Tania Lincoln). The aim of the project is understanding the modulation of dynamic belief updating by integrating behavioral, psychometric, psychophysiological, and neural data collected in different projects of the research unit. The most relevant methods are cognitive modeling, dimensionality reduction analyses (e.g., factor analysis, PCA, structural equation models), pupillometry, eye tracking, and EEG.

The holder of the position will develop large-scale data analysis approaches integrating multiple datasets from different groups (e.g., children, younger adults, patients with OCD or anxiety disorder) and including different methods (e.g., behavior, pupillometry, EEG, questionnaires). We expect the person to be responsible for planning, developing, and conducting this research. Additional responsibilities include the documentation and publication of research output as well as participation in national and international conferences with presentation of the results. The necessary infrastructure to perform the research (e.g., high-performance computing) is available at the Cognitive Modelling & Decision Neuroscience Lab.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

We expect the candidate to hold a very good degree (Master, Diploma) in psychology, neuroscience, computer science, behavioral economics, or related fields and a very good PhD project (including submitted and ideally already published manuscripts). The doctorate has to be completed or at final stage. Relevant research experience and in particular programming experience (e.g., Matlab, Python, R) are critical assets. Furthermore, good knowledge of one or multiple of the following research fields are desired: cognitive or mathematical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, neuroeconomics, behavioral economics. Experience with advanced statistical methods (esp. cognitive modeling, dimensionality reduction), neuroscientific methods (esp. EEG, eye tracking), and machine learning are additional assets. High proficiency in both verbal and written English is a requirement. Finally, the candidate should be highly committed and willing to work independently.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle "Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.