Research associate (m/f/x) for the FOR 6027 "Layers of Memory", Subproject P4 "Reference frames in spatial navigation and the impact of cerebellar projections on layer-specific entorhinal processing"

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Faculty of Psychology:

AE Neuropsychology

FOR 6027 "Layers of memory"

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) as of January 1st, 2027 (flexible), we are looking for one

Research associate (m/f/x) for the FOR 6027 "Layers of Memory", Subproject P4 "Reference frames in spatial navigation and the impact of cerebellar projections on layer-specific entorhinal processing"

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

A PhD position is available in the Department of Neuropsychology (head: Prof.

Dr.

Nikolai Axmacher) at the Faculty of Psychology, starting 01.01.2027 or when position is filled.

This position is part of the Research Unit “Layers of Memory” (FOR 6027).

The overarching aim of the Research Unit is to unravel the mesoscale organization of the human medial temporal lobe using laminar 7T MRI in order to obtain a more mechanistic understanding of the neural processes underlying human memory and spatial navigation.

The Research Unit comprises eight projects across eight sites in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, bringing together complementary expertise from cognitive and clinical neuroscience and MR physics.

The major aims of our subproject within the consortium are twofold: (1) to disentangle the laminar activity profiles of the entorhinal cortex using two complementary spatial navigation tasks that preferentially engage allocentric and egocentric reference frames, respectively; and (2) to investigate the impact of cerebellar pathology on spatial navigation and laminar activity of the entorhinal cortex by testing patients with cerebellar degeneration.

To achieve these aims, PI Nikolai Axmacher, an expert in spatial navigation, and PI Dagmar Timmann, an expert in cerebellar research, have joined forces, supported by specialists in laminar-resolution magnetic resonance imaging methods within the Research Unit and in close collaboration with Laure Rondi-Reig (Sorbonne Université, Paris, France).

All experiments will be conducted in human participants using the 7T MRI scanner at the Erwin L.

Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ELH) in Essen, Germany.

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:

part-time

Duration:

fixed-term,

4 years

Start:

as of January 1st, 2027 (flexible)

Apply by:

2026-10-19

We offer:

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 https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (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.

persons for further information:

Joachim Koenen

, Tel.: +49 234 32 28674

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 6200.

Online application

44801 Bochum

Universitätsstraße 150

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