Research associate (m/f/x) for the CRC 1844 "Episodic Memory", Subproject A13 "The role of self-mode

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (29.87 hours/week = 75%) from 01.01.2027, pending funding approval, we are looking for one

Research associate (m/f/x) for the CRC 1844 "Episodic Memory", Subproject A13 "The role of self-models in the self-memory dynamicsin episodic recall"

The Department of Neuropsychology investigates the neural basis of learning, memory, and spatial navigation in humans. We combine state-of-the-art methods of cognitive neuroscience (fMRI at 3T and 7T, intracranial EEG, human single cell recordings) with approaches from AI. A particular focus is the analysis of event-specific memory traces using multivariate analysis methods (e.g., representational similarity analysis and deep neural network models). Our long-term vision is to identify the neural traces of memories for specific events, their transformation during learning and memory consolidation, and their impairment in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. More information on our group can be found here: http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/neuropsy/indexE.htm The position is part of the Collaborative Research Center “Episodic Memory” (CRC 1844), an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of researchers from psychology, computational neuroscience, philosophy, and neuroscience. The basis for our research is the Scenario Construction Framework which conceptualizes episodic memory as mental simulations of past episodes, constructed from episodic memory traces and semantic information. As a part of this team, you will be trained in interdisciplinary research and have access to a broad spectrum of initiatives to support you in your academic journey. In this specific subproject, PIs Albert Newen and Nikolai Axmacher will collaborate to investigate, both theoretically and empirically, the dynamics between self and episodic memory (EM) in standard scenario construction, PTSD, and depression. Based on a conceptualization of the self, we describe the bidirectional influence between self and EM. Using fMRI, we measure neural correlates of generalization processes involved in scenario construction to disclose the modified self-memory dynamics in PTSD and depression. We expect to clarify central aspects of generative EM and improve our understanding of mnemonic disturbance in depression and PTSD. The PhD student in the Axmacher group will be responsible for fMRI studies using an experimental model of PTSD-related memory intrusions in healthy participants and using autobiographical memory tasks in depression patients.

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher with a Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, or a related field and strong programming and statistical skills to carry out the proposed project.

Scope: full-time

Duration: fixed-term, until December 31st, 2030 (end of project)

Start: from 01.01.2027, pending funding approval

Apply by: 2026-10-19

Your tasks:

• Development of experimental paradigms
• Acquisition of MRI data
• Analysis and publication of MRI data
• Close collaboration with PIs and ECRs from other subprojects, especially the philosophy department

Your profile:

• Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science or a related field
• Strong programming and statistical skills
• Prior experience with fMRI is an advantage
• Working independently, in a structured manner, and with a focus on results
• Enjoy working as part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers

https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/8cfdfcc93a85da57c04936f2565d0f4e20e329aa0?ref=AfA