PhD/orpostdoctoral researcher (all genders welcome)

An der Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Öffentlichen Rechts – Institut für Informatik sind zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt 3 Stellen alsPhD/orpostdoctoral researcher (all genders welcome)- Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L - in Vollzeit (teilzeitgeeignet) zu besetzen. Die Stellen sind befristet bis .

Our research project with the title The sense of control in natural and artificial intelligence lies at the intersection of machine learning, cognitive science, and computational neuroscience.

We ask: How do biological systems make intelligent decisions? and How can we design artificial systems that do the same?

To answer these questions, we combine computational modeling with experimental investigation to study how psychological constructs—including surprise, curiosity, agency, and the sense of control—shape intelligent decision-making.

Current research directions include:

computational modeling and behavioral experiments on learning and decision-making in humans and animals;

theory-guided and applied reinforcement learning;

human-AI interaction and human-aligned AI; and

computational approaches to mental health.

The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree is available and is actively supported.

The precise research directions advertised in each application cycle may vary. Further information is available on our website:

https://modirlab.github.io/research.html

Your profile

We welcome applicants with strong backgrounds in one or more of the following areas:

cognitive science;

machine learning, particularly reinforcement learning;

computational neuroscience;

human-AI interaction

mathematics, physics, computer science;

engineering, or a related quantitative field.

We value intellectual curiosity, creativity, independence, collaboration, and either strong analytical and computational skills or expertise in experimental design and behavioral data analysis. An excellent command of English is required. PhD applicants should hold, or expect to obtain before starting, a relevant Master’s degree. Postdoctoral applicants should hold, or expect to obtain before starting, a PhD in a relevant discipline. Supervisory experience is desirable for postdoctoral candidates.

Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all the areas listed above. Further information on the methodologies commonly used in our research is available on our website:

https://modirlab.github.io/research.html

What we offer

You will join a young, interdisciplinary, and growing laboratory with the opportunity to help shape its scientific direction and culture. We offer:

An open, collaborative, and supportive lab culture where your well-being comes before any paper or deadline.

Freedom to pursue ambitious, interdisciplinary research.

Close mentorship with regular one-on-one meetings and multiple forms of feedback.

Opportunities to mentor students and take on teaching responsibilities.

A strong network of collaborators in Germany and beyond, including in Switzerland, the UK, and the US.

Support for conference travel, scientific exchange, and career development.

For postdocs, support in applying for independent grants and fellowships, and guidance in preparing your next career step.

How to apply

Applications should include:

a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining your background, research interests, and motivation for joining the laboratory;

a curriculum vitae, including publications where applicable;

copies of relevant degrees and transcripts; and

the names and contact details of two or three referees.

Informal inquiries about the positions, potential projects, or the suitability of your background are welcome.

Please submit your application as a single pdf with the usual documents (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, university degrees, transcript of records, contact details of up to two referees) electronically to

Recruitment is organized in several application and interview cycles. For the application procedure, submission deadline, and interview dates of the next cycle, please visit:

https://modirlab.github.io/open-positions.html

For further questions about the positions, please contact the respective principal investigator at the email addresses stated on the website.

Die Universität Göttingen strebt in den Bereichen, in denen Frauen unterrepräsentiert sind, eine Erhöhung des Frauenanteils an und fordert daher qualifizierte Frauen nachdrücklich zur Bewerbung auf. Sie versteht sich zudem als familienfreundliche Hochschule und fördert die Vereinbarkeit von Wissenschaft/Beruf und Familie. Der beruflichen Teilhabe von schwerbehinderten Beschäftigten sieht sich die Universität in besondere Weise verpflichtet und begrüßt deshalb Bewerbungen schwerbehinderter Menschen. Bei gleicher Qualifikation erhalten Bewerbungen von Menschen mit Schwerbehinderung den Vorzug. Eine Behinderung bzw. Gleichstellung ist zur Wahrung der Interessen bereits in die Bewerbung aufzunehmen.Bitte reichen Sie Ihre aussagekräftige Bewerbung mit allen wichtigen Unterlagen bis zum 28.09.2026 ausschließlich über das Bewerbungsportal http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76660 ein. Auskunft erteilt Frau Marita Schwahn, E-Mail: [email protected], Tel. 0049 551 39 21273Hinweis: Wir weisen darauf hin, dass die Einreichung der Bewerbung eine datenschutzrechtliche Einwilligung in die Verarbeitung Ihrer Bewerbungsdaten durch uns darstellt. Näheres zur Rechtsgrundlage und Datenverwendung finden Sie im Hinweisblatt zur Datenschutzgrundverordnung (DSGVO)