PhD student (w/m/d) (E13 TV-L, 75%)

Starting April 1st, 2025, at the Laboratory of Clinical Neuropsychology (Prof. Dr. Bastian Schiller), Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg. This position is initially limited to December 2027, with the possibility of an extension for an additional year.

This position is part of a larger project funded by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant “Social animals interacting in a digital world“, funding period: 2023-2028). Together with a team of researchers, the candidate will (1) investigate the psychobiological differences between social interaction in digital environments and face-to-face social interaction, and (2) explore new ways for „socially enriching“ digital interaction environments (e.g., by enabling physical contact and direct eye contact, and by presenting human odors). This topic will be addressed through a multi-method research approach, combining experimental-psychological and game-theoretic paradigms with neuroscientific methods (e.g. application of chemosensory cues using olfactometry, electroencephalography, dual eye-tracking, peripheral physiology, hormone administration and measurement).

At the Laboratory of Clinical Neuropsychology, we further investigate the psychological and biological bases of social interactions. Another research focus is the study of social interaction difficulties, for example in autistic individuals. There are also plans to establish an outpatient clinic and research unit for the treatment of social interaction difficulties.

Your Tasks:

• Planning, conducting, evaluating, and publishing the described research in international journals, as well as presenting findings at scientific congresses.
• Co-supervising student theses and guiding student assistants and interns.
• Participating in university self-administration activities.
• Delivering courses within the department’s B.Sc. and M.Sc. Psychology programs.

Your Profile:

• Enthusiasm for research on the psychobiological effects of the digital transformation on social interaction, as well as the laboratory’s additional research focuses.
• Ideally, methodological expertise in relevant neuroscientific techniques (e.g., olfactometry, hormone application) and prior experience with experimental research questions (e.g., as part of a bachelor or master thesis).
• Strong team orientation and high social competence.
• Good statistical knowledge and ideally first programming experiences.

We offer:

• Innovative, interdisciplinary research.
• Support for academic qualification, offering excellent opportunities to gain expertise in neuroscientific techniques and experimental research.
• A dedicated, young, and dynamic team.
• A family-friendly working environment.
• Assistance with starting or continuing psychotherapeutic training (preferably in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Clinical Neuropsychology).

We look forward to receiving your application. Please send it along with the usual documents (a letter of motivation detailing your research interests, a CV, relevant certificates and qualifications, and references) by January 31, 2025. Submit your application electronically in a single PDF, referencing “ERCPhD_KlinNeuro” to:

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified.

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