The Biological Psychology group at the Institute of Psychology (Fachbereich 07) at the University of Münster, Germany, invites applications for the position of a
Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)
for the externally funded project “Updating memories: Computational and neural mechanisms underlying the fate of episodic traces after prediction errors” commencing on 1 February 2027. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (75%) for 4 years. The appointment is subject to approval of the requested German Research Foundation (DFG) funding. Project Description: We tend to think of memories as records of our past. We know that memories can fade or be forgotten. But more remarkably, memories can change. Our theoretical framework brings together different accounts of memory changes by showing how they can arise from different components of scenario construction. Specifically, we focus on the question of memory updating. When our experiences diverge from what was expected, prediction errors arise that can either modify an existing memory or lead to the formation of a new one. In this project, we combine computational modeling with behavioral and fMRI experiments to study how prediction errors reorganize episodic memories. To this end, we draw on ideas from two frameworks, Latent Cause Theory and cloned Hidden Markov Models, which provide testable computational hypotheses about the balance between integration and separation. The project team consists of neuroinformaticians and cognitive neuroscientists who work closely together to uncover the neurocognitive mechanisms and computational principles that underlie these changes.
Your tasks:
- Participation in a new collaborative project funded by the DFG, involving the Universities of Bochum and Münster, embedded in a large interdisciplinary research consortium spanning psychology, neuroscience, philosophy, and computational modelling
- Planning, conducting, analysing, and publishing fMRI experiments.
- Application of appropriate, advanced analysis methods for neurocognitive and behavioural data
- Close collaboration with the participating research groups at both sites.
- Presentation and publication of research findings at national and international conferences and in scientific journals.
- The position is intended for the completion of a doctoral research project.
Our expectations:
- An above-average Master’s degree in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a related field is required.
- Good programming skills, preferably in MATLAB or Python, are required.
- Experience with statistical analysis and relevant statistical software is required
- Excellent written and spoken English is required.
- A strong interest in the research questions outlined above and in interdisciplinary research is desirable
- Ability to work independently, reliably, and in a well-organized manner.
- Ability and enthusiasm to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Advantages for you:
- The opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research on episodic memory and complete a PhD in an internationally visible, interdisciplinary research environment.
- Access to an exceptional range of cognitive neuroscience methods and facilities on site, including 3T and 7T fMRI, EEG, TMS, eye tracking, peripheral physiological measures, and a computer vision lab.
- A supportive and collaborative team, close scientific exchange, dedicated supervision, and support from student research assistants.
- Integration into a large interdisciplinary research consortium with regular workshops, talks, and opportunities for national and international networking.
- Doctoral researchers may also choose to join and complete a structured PhD Program in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience.
- Flexible working arrangements and support in balancing work and family responsibilities.
- Tailored professional training and continuing education opportunities, as well as a broad range of sport and health programmes.
- Public-sector benefits, including an attractive pension scheme (VBL) and an annual end-of-year bonus
The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.
If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Schubotz (rschubotz@uni-muenster.de).
Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-11-07 at:
Universität Münster
Institut für Psychologie
Prof. Dr. Ricarda I. Schubotz
Fliednerstr. 21
48149 Münster
Applications should include a letter of motivation, a CV, a current transcript of records, and the Master’s degree certificate. A letter of recommendation or the contact details of one academic referee may be included optionally. Please send us your application electronically in a PDF file to rschubotz@uni-muenster.de. Note that we cannot consider other file formats.
Reference number: 2026_10_05
