PhD student position (3 years), Neuroscience of Decision Making and Learning

PhD student Position in Neuroscience of Learning and Decision Making, Institute ofExperimental 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 Prof Gerhard Jocham. The lab investigates the neuraland computational mechanisms of (reward-guided) learning and decision making in humans.

We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate with a strong interest in the neuroscience of 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 basic programming skills (e.g., Matlab, R, Python) and be motivated to be acquainted with M/EEG analysis and formal models of behaviour. Anexcellent command of English is essential.

You will be part of a dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary team. The Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, in collaboration with nearby Research Centre Jülich, provides an excellent environment for cutting‑edge neuroscience. Being embedded in the local neuroscience community, you will additionally benefit from the interactions with otherresearchers in the departments of psychology, medicine, and the Research Centre Jülich.

Pay scale will be (subject to the applicant’s qualification) public sector pay grade TV‑L 13 (75%). The position includes a teaching responsibility (3 hours/week), which can be done in either German or English. 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 In the subject line, please include "phd-2026-hhu". Applicationswill be considered until the post is filled. Starting date is 1 September 2026.