Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) – Computational Psychiatry

Stellenbeschreibung:

We are seeking support for our rapidly growing team starting June 1st, 2026:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) – Computational Psychiatry

Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie

TV-L: 38.5 h/week (100%) limited for 5 years according to WissZeitVG within the framework of a third‑party funded project. Your salary will be based on TV‑L.

Your tasks

Develop and evaluate generative models for longitudinal digital phenotyping data
Build and refine a simulation framework for synthetic patient trajectories
Design and analyse virtual perturbation scenarios to investigate resilience and transition dynamics
Develop and validate resilience metrics and approaches for transition typing
Contribute to the implementation of a research prototype and reusable open resources
Work closely with clinical and methodological collaborators within and beyond the University of Cologne
Contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations, documentation, and open‑science activities
Support the supervision of junior researchers and contribute to the development of the research group

Your profile

PhD in computational psychiatry, data science, computer science, statistics, neuroscience, psychology, biomedical informatics, or a related field
Strong expertise in at least some of the following areas: machine learning, deep learning, generative modelling, time‑series modelling, probabilistic modelling, or simulation
Very good programming skills, ideally in Python and relevant ML frameworks such as PyTorch
Experience working with longitudinal, multivariate behavioural data
Strong interest in mental health research and interdisciplinary collaboration with clinical partners
A structured, independent, and reliable way of working combined with strong team skills
Very good written and spoken English; German is welcome but not required
A solid publication record appropriate to career stage is desirable

Our offer

Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.

Your future with us

We are one of the leading university hospitals in Germany and network research, teaching and health care at the highest level. That is why many things are a lot bigger for us: the spectrum of exciting development opportunities. The limitless openness with which specialists from all over the world work together here. Or our commitment as an employer to support all employees as best we can in reconciling their job with their goals and life situations.

This is the University Hospital of Cologne: Everything but ordinary.

Your future in detail

We are looking to support a newly established research group as soon as possible.

The position is embedded in the third‑party funded research project SiReD‑MH (Tipping Minds: Simulation of Resilience Dynamics in Mental Health) . The project develops a hybrid in‑silico framework to model resilience dynamics and transitions into mental illness in young people at risk. Using longitudinal digital phenotyping data, including ecological momentary assessment, actigraphy, and GPS‑derived mobility measures, the project combines generative machine learning and simulation to build synthetic patient trajectories and test resilience under virtual perturbation scenarios.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a central role in shaping the methodological core of the project and in helping build a new interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of psychiatry, machine learning, dynamic systems theory, and simulation.

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. The position is suitable for staffing with part‑time employees.