The Department of Biological Psychology (Institute of Psychology) at the University Münster invites applications
for two positions as
Doctoral Research Associates (E13 TV-L, 65%) in Cognitive Neuroscience.
Start of contract will be as soon as possible, but 1st of October 2022 at the latest. We are offering a fixed-term
part-time position (65%) for three years.
You are invited to join a collaborative research team on predictive mechanisms in human brain and behavior
(http://www.uni-muenster.de/PsyIFP/AESchubotz/en/index.html). We are interested in the classification of
different types of prediction, in statistical and semantic knowledge feeding predictions, and in learning and
adaptation processes triggered by prediction errors. We use neuroimaging (fMRI), electrophysiological (EEG,
EDA) and intervention techniques (TMS) in healthy subjects and impaired populations (e.g. Parkinson’s Disease;
Asperger Autism; Dementia).
Your tasks: The positions are tied to working towards a doctorate. The candidates will be engaged in the project
Learning from quantified episodic prediction errors: Individual biases in gist revision. This project is part of the
DFG research unit 2812 “Constructing Scenarios of the Past: A New Framework in Episodic Memory” at the Ruhr
University Bochum and the University of Münster. The research unit studies the cognitive and neuronal
mechanisms underlying the constructed scenarios that make up episodic memory. It employs and combines
approaches from Philosophy, Psychology as well as Experimental and Computational Neuroscience. The project
uses fMRI to investigate the neuronal correlates and dynamics of recalling faithful and modified episodic
memories. We seek to understand the conditions that render the memory of a truly experienced episode more or
less susceptible to later modification. To this end, the two PhD students will work in close collaboration.
Our expectations: Applicants should hold an above-average M.Sc. in neuroscience/psychology/biology or related
fields and have already shown a strong motivation for cognitive neuroscience. Prior experimental experience in
neuroimaging or electrophysiological methods would be highly valuable. The candidates will be required to
engage in programming (MatLab, presentation, and fMRI-specific tools).
The University of Münster is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to increasing the proportion of
women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with
equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of
the legal possibilities.
The University of Münster is committed to employing more staff with disabilities. Candidates with recognized
severe disabilities who have equivalent qualifications are given preference in hiring decisions.
To apply, send your CV, a brief description of research interests, list of publications, and the names of two potential
references to Ricarda Schubotz, rschubotz@uni-muenster.de.
Applications will be considered until 30 June 2022.