Wissenschaftlich:r Mitarbeiter:in (75% TVL13, 4 Jahre DFG), Kognitive Psychologie

RWTH Aachen University - Universitätsklinikum; Aachen; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Aachen is seeking a PhD candidate to explore the neurocognitive mechanisms of bilingual control. The position is part of a funded research unit and involves planning and conducting experimental studies, with opportunities for career development. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree in psychology or related fields and have a strong background in experimental psychology. Experience in neuroimaging is advantageous. Basic German is not required at application, but a willingness to learn is expected.

Qualifikationen

• Strong background in experimental psychology required.
• Practical experience with functional and structural MRI data is recommended.
• Willingness to acquire basic German within two years.

Aufgaben

• Plan and implement experimental behavioral studies.
• Analyze data and prepare for international publication.
• Collaborate with a team of PIs and PhD students.

Kenntnisse

Experimental psychology

Programming (Presentation, Python, PsychoPy, R)

Neuroimaging analysis

Collaborative research

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in psychology or a related field

Jobbeschreibung

PhD position (75% according to German TVL13 salary scale, funded by the DFG) for four years in the area of cognitive neuroscience of bilingual control, in Aachen, Germany

The project “Bilingual Flexibility: The Neurocognitive Basis of Language Control and Adaptation” (PI: Prof. Dr. Stefan Heim, University Hospital Aachen; Co-PI: Prof. Dr. Iring Koch, Institute of Psychology, RWTH Aachen University) investigates the neurocognitive mechanisms of short-term, reactive, and medium-term, proactive, language control and adaptation processes. At the centre of the project, the neural basis of these behavioural effects of language control and adaptation is then investigated with functional and structural MRI data.

We are seeking applications for a PhD position (75% according to German TVL13 salary scale, funded by the DFG) for four years, with a possible starting date in February or March 2026.

The position is embedded in the new DFG-funded Research Unit (RU) “Bilingual Flexibility — The Psychology of Language Control” at RWTH Aachen University and is hosted by the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics (Prof. Dr. Stefan Heim; Chair: Prof. Dr. Thomas Frodl). The RU investigates how bilingual speakers adapt their language balance flexibly to task and social demands. Research in the RU combines cognitive‑behavioural and neuroscientific methods (behavioural experiments, EEG, fMRI) and links mechanisms of language control, learning and social interaction. The RU brings together several principal investigators across RWTH and beyond, providing a highly collaborative environment with strong national and international networks and many opportunities for co‑authorship and career development. The tasks of the successful PhD candidate include the planning and implementation of experimental behavioural and neuroimaging studies in adults, their analysis, and their international publication. The PhD project is embedded in a team of eight PIs and nine PhD students in Aachen.

A Master’s degree is required in psychology, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, clinical linguistics/speech and language therapy, or cognitive (neuro)science, as well as a strong background in experimental psychology. Experience with experimental research and programming (e.g., Presentation, Python, PsychoPy, R) is useful. Practical experience with the acquisition and analysis of functional and structural MRI data is strongly recommended, yet candidates without prior (f)MRI experience but with relevant experimental and programming skills are encouraged to apply. German language skills are not required at application but candidates should be willing to acquire basic German within two years (training support available).

The deadline for application is December 31, 2025; please address your applications to Prof. Dr. Stefan Heim, [e-mail]