PhD position (fmd) in the field of psychology cognitive science cognitive neuroscience

Overview

We are seeking support for our rapidly growing team starting January 1st 2026.

Position

PhD position (f / m / d) in the field of psychology / cognitive science / cognitive neuroscience within the Social Cognition group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy – project on the significance of gaze behavior in nonverbal communication. 25 h / week TV-L 25 h / week (6494%) limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Dissertation project). Salary based on TV-L.

Your tasks

• Planning, implementation and evaluation of experimental studies in multimodal communication.
• Analysis of eye movement data (eye tracking) and development of suitable evaluation strategies.
• Participation in design and further development of research paradigms.
• Close cooperation with tandem partner from phonetics.
• Collaboration with project partners from related disciplines (e.g., phonetics, cognitive and neuroscience medicine).
• Supervision and coordination of study participants and guidance of student assistants.
• Participation in scientific publications and conference contributions.

Your profile

• Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or a related field.
• Very good methodological training and sound knowledge of quantitative analysis methods.
• Experience in empirical research ideally with eye tracking or comparable experimental methods.
• Very good knowledge of at least one programming language for data analysis (e.g., R, Python).
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific work.
• Very good written and spoken English skills.
• Ability to work in a team, initiative and organizational skills.

Our offer

• Secure doctoral position in a challenging innovative environment with pension schemes and regular working hours.
• Warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Extensive training opportunities for continuous growth and goal setting.

Your future with us

• Collaboration in an innovative and interdisciplinary research project.
• Opportunity to further your own scientific qualifications (doctorate).
• Pleasant collegial working environment in a dedicated interdisciplinary team.
• Flexible working hours and support in balancing work and private life.
• Remuneration according to TV-L in accordance with public service regulations.

About the project

A doctoral position is available in the Social Cognition group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital of Cologne for an interdisciplinary research project starting on January 1st 2026. The aim is to investigate how information can be exchanged (confidentially) in small groups by means of eye movements or gaze behavior and how gaze behavior interacts with speech behavior. The focus of the advertised position is particularly on the investigation of eye movements using mobile eye-tracking glasses.

The doctoral position is part of a tandem project between Dr. Mathis Jording Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy University Hospital of Cologne and Prof. Dr. Martine Grice Phonetics Laboratory Department of Linguistics University of Cologne. The two doctoral candidates from each department will collaborate closely and complement each other. The two departments are already cooperating on various projects related to the connection between gaze and language. The project now being launched is therefore backed by a multidisciplinary team from the fields of psychology linguistics phonetics cognitive and neuroscience and medicine. The project is also part of the DFG Priority Program Understanding Gaze (UGaze) which offers a wide range of opportunities for exchange and personal development at workshops conferences and summer schools.

Eligibility

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

Contact

Dr. Mathis Jording

Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR

Geschäftsbereich Personal

Kerpener Str. 62

50937 Köln

Application deadline

#J-18808-Ljbffr