Postdoctoral research associate in infant sleep research (m, f, x) for 2 years; 39.83 hours per[...]

Postdoctoral research associate in infant sleep research (m, f, x) for 2 years; 39.83 hours per week; TVL E13

The developmental psychology lab is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to conduct research on infant sleep in the transdisciplinary project NAP – The infant sleep hub. The goals of NAP are to gain a deeper understanding of infant sleep by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and inclusion of stakeholders from the public, and to translate scientific findings for use in everyday life and practice. NAP is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. We are looking for a highly motivated infant sleep researcher (m,f,x) with an interest in developmental psychopathology/clinical psychology. The ideal candidate has experience with interdisciplinary work, an interest in science communication, and basic knowledge of the German language or a motivation to learn.

Position details

Scope: full‑time (39.83 hours per week). Duration: fixed‑term (2 years). Start: at the earliest possible date or by 1 November 2026. Apply by: 28 July 2026.

Your tasks

• Design, conduct, analyse, and write up studies on infant sleep for publication, focusing on developmental psychopathology/clinical psychology.
• Train and supervise other lab members, research assistants, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the use and analysis of sleep measures.
• Engage with national and international collaboration partners throughout the research process.
• Present at internal and external symposia and scientific conferences.
• Regularly contribute to outreach and science communication.

Your profile

• Enthusiastic infant sleep researcher with a keen interest in the role of sleep for development and well‑being in early life.
• Experienced in conducting, analysing, and writing up infant sleep studies, with relevant peer‑reviewed publications.
• PhD in psychology or related discipline (to be completed by end of October 2026) and able to start by 1 November 2026 or earlier.
• Fluent in English; German language skills are a plus.
• Highly motivated team player who enjoys engaging with multidisciplinary researchers.
• Interested in science communication and public engagement.
• Capable of on‑site data collection around participating families’ schedules.
• Prepared to train lab members, research assistants, and students in sleep assessments and analyses.

We offer

• A stimulating research environment with laboratories equipped for eye tracking, thermal imaging, behavioural observations, and mobile sleep EEG.
• Opportunities for collaborations with national and international sleep researchers, including research stays.
• Opportunities to engage in science communication.
• Challenging tasks with high personal responsibility.
• Cooperative work in an international and supportive team.

Further information

The position is salaried according to the TV‑L collective agreement (grade E13). No teaching obligation if funded by third‑party funds. The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum. Developmental psychology lab: https://www.epsy.psy.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/epsy/index.html.en. Project funded by Volkswagen Foundation. University offers free German language courses for employees.

Equal opportunity statement

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. We favour heterogeneous teams and specifically request job applications from women. In fields where they are underrepresented, they will be given preference under equivalent qualifications. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Sabine Seehagen, Tel.: +49 234 32 22672.

Travel costs, accommodation costs and other application costs for interviews are not reimbursed.

We look forward to your application via our online application portal by 28 July 2026. Please mention reference number ANR 5872. Online application portal: https://www.uni.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/stellenangebote.