PhD student position in decision making and learning (public sector pay grade
TV-L 13, 50%), Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University
Düsseldorf, Germany
Applications are invited for a PhD student position (three years) in the Biological
Psychology of Decision Making Group headed by Gerhard Jocham. The lab investigates
the neural and computational mechanisms of reward-guided learning and decision
making in humans.
Your PhD project would be focussed on the role of neuromodulators (GABA, glutamate,
norepinephrine, acetylcholine) in learning and choice. This will be investigated using
pharmacological interventions in healthy humans and computational modelling, possibly
combined with M/EEG and pupillometry. The position is available immediately (exact
starting date is subject to negotiation).
We are seeking enthusiastic candidates with a strong interest in decision making and
learning. Applicants should have an MSc (or equivalent degree) in psychology,
neuroscience, or in a related field, and sound knowledge of statistics. The ideal candidate
should also possess programming skills (e.g., Matlab, R, Python). A keen interest in
formal models of behaviour and an excellent command of English are essential. In
addition to your role in research, you would also be involved in teaching in the BSc or
MSc Psychology programme (2 h/week).
You will be part of a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary team. The Heinrich
Heine University Düsseldorf, in collaboration with nearby Research Centre FZ Jülich,
provides an excellent environment for cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience. Being
embedded in the local neuroscience community, you will additionally benefit from the
interactions with other researchers in the departments of psychology, medicine, and the
FZ Jülich.
Pay scale will be (subject to the applicant’s qualification) public sector pay grade TV-L
13 (50%). Applications should include a brief cover letter (max. 1 page, stating research
experience/interests and academic achievements), a CV, and names of at least 2
referees. Please send your application electronically as a single pdf file to Gerhard
Jocham (gerhard.jocham@hhu.de). Applications will be considered immediately until the
post is filled.