Research associate (m/f/x) for the CRC 1844 "Episodic Memory", Subproject A03 "The format of memorie

In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29,87 h/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 A03 "The format of memories"

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. The experiences of our lives become the stories we remember. But how? In this CRC subproject, we will investigate the contribution of sensory vs. linguistic “representational formats” to memory scenarios. We will use 3T and 7T fMRI and deep neural networks to address 3 questions: (1) Are memory traces restricted to the representational format during encoding or do they contain multiple formats? (2) How does the predictability of sensory experiences influence their transformation into coherent narratives? (3) Can we voluntarily control changes in the representational format of memories during scenario construction?

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: part-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:

- Developement of experimental paradigms

- Acquisition of MRI data

- Analysis and publication of MRI data

- Close collaboration with PIs and ECRs from other subprojects

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/eb9d7347d130ff0b9f8bf023b47c7c80fb7192050?ref=AfA](https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/eb9d7347d130ff0b9f8bf023b47c7c80fb7192050?ref=AfA)