The Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI CBS) in Leipzig, Germany, is an internationally recognized research institute of the Max Planck Society dedicated to the study of human cognitive abilities and brain processes as well as the development of neuroimaging methods.

Fully Funded 4‑year Postdoc Position

in Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience

(Area: Social Cognition) – DoellerLab

Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI-CBS), Leipzig, Germany

4-year position | International environment | Cutting‑edge research facilities

Start date: Flexible

WHAT WE STUDY

Our research is guided by the framework of cognitive spaces, testing the overarching hypothesis that spatial coding principles of the hippocampal‑entorhinal system provide the basis for abstract, domain‑general low‑dimensional representations of cognitive variables. Under this umbrella, we explore:

Spatial navigation, temporal, episodic, and working memory
Learning, decision‑making, and knowledge acquisition
Translational research on population coding and Alzheimer's disease

Key research methods: fMRI (including 7T), MEG, virtual reality (VR), a wide variety of cognitive tasks, psychophysics, machine learning, deep neural networks, and computational modelling.

PROJECT FOR THIS CALL

This position is embedded in a forthcoming Leibniz Prize project that builds directly on our lab’s work on cognitive maps and the hippocampal‑entorhinal system. The project investigates how spatial coding principles extend beyond traditional domains to support social cognition and belief formation.

A central aim of this project group is to develop a neurocognitive account of how spatial mapping mechanisms give rise to social cognition and belief formation, and how these processes may underlie systematic cognitive biases. In doing so, the project extends core neuroscientific principles toward a neuroscience of social understanding while maintaining a strong emphasis on mechanistic explanation.

By linking individual‑level neural computations to higher‑level cognitive and collective phenomena, this research bridges cognitive and computational neuroscience and social psychology within a unified framework.

WHAT WE SEEK

We are looking for outstanding early‑career scientists, who bring fresh ideas, deep curiosity, and a collaborative mindset.

A PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science, physics, or a related field
Expertise or strong interest in social cognition
Solid expertise in cognitive neuroscience methods
Strong programming skills
Excellent academic track record
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

WHAT WE OFFER

This is a fully funded, 4‑year postdoctoral position (with the possibility of a 1‑year extension) in the research group of Christian Doeller.

The position offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting‑edge research in an international, cross‑disciplinary, and intellectually stimulating environment. As a member of the DoellerLab, you will collaborate with outstanding scientists in an open, supportive, intellectually stimulating, and high‑performance environment.

Research Infrastructure

Four 3T MR scanners and one 7T MR scanner
MEG, EEG, VR labs, psychophysics & eye‑tracking facilities
Access to neurological patients via the Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology at Leipzig University Hospital as part of collaborative projects

Academic & Leadership Development – DoellerLab

Personalized mentoring, including tailored support for scientific and career development
Opportunity to work towards developing independent research directions and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
Opportunity to co‑supervise undergraduate and PhD students and contribute to training the next generation of scientists
Support for presenting research at leading international conferences, including opportunities for visibility and networking (independent travel budget)
Targeted career development planning, including external academic or industry mentors
Access to career development workshops, coaching, and training
Access to leading scientific networks

Compensation & Inclusion

Salary is based on the regulations of the Max Planck Society and is commensurate with experience.
We support flexible working arrangements, work‑life balance, and family‑friendly working conditions, including parental support measures where applicable.
We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
We offer flexible working arrangements and support a healthy work‑life balance.
We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and encourage applications from such individuals.

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