PhD position (f/m/d) in the field of psychology / cognitive science / cognitive neuroscience

We are seeking support for our rapidly growing team starting January 1st, 2026:

Phd Position (F/M/D) In The Field Of Psychology / Cognitive Science / Cognitive Neuroscience

Social Cognition group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy - project on the significance of gaze behavior in nonverbal communication TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%) limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Dissertation project) Your salary will be based on TV-L TV-L: 25 h/week (64,94%) limited for 3 years according to WissZeitVG (Dissertation project) Your salary will be based on TV-L

Your Tasks

• Planning, implementation, and evaluation of experimental studies in the field of multimodal communication
• Analysis of eye movement data (eye tracking) and development of suitable evaluation strategies
• Participation in the design and further development of research paradigms
• Close cooperation with tandem partner from the field of phonetics
• Collaboration with project partners from related disciplines (e.g., phonetics, cognitive and neuroscience, medicine)
• Supervision and coordination of study participants and guidance of student assistants
• Participation in scientific publications and conference contributions

Your Profile

• Master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or a related field
• Very good methodological training and sound knowledge of quantitative analysis methods
• Experience in empirical research, ideally with eye tracking or comparable experimental methods
• Very good knowledge of at least one programming language for data analysis (e.g., R, Python)
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary scientific work
• Very good written and spoken English skills
• Ability to work in a team, initiative, and organizational skills

Our Offer

• Everything but ordinary: You can expect a secure job in a challenging, innovative environment – including company pension schemes and regular working hours without business trips.
• Team spirit in R(h)ine culture: You will be warmly welcomed by an interdisciplinary team that values mutual respect and helpfulness.
• Strong perspectives: We offer extensive training opportunities – so you can continuously grow and set new goals.

 

Your Future With Us

• Collaboration in an innovative and interdisciplinary research project
• Opportunity to further your own scientific qualifications (doctorate)
• Pleasant, collegial working environment in a dedicated interdisciplinary team
• Flexible working hours and support in balancing work and private life
• Remuneration according to TV-L in accordance with public service regulations

Your Future In Detail

A doctoral position is available in the Social Cognition group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Cologne, for an interdisciplinary research project starting on January 1st, 2026. The aim is to investigate how information can be exchanged (confidentially) in small groups by means of eye movements or gaze behavior and how gaze behavior interacts with speech behavior. The focus of the advertised position is particularly on the investigation of eye movements using mobile eye-tracking glasses.

The doctoral position is part of a tandem project between Dr. Mathis Jording, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Cologne, and Prof. Dr. Martine Grice, Phonetics Laboratory, Department of Linguistics, University of Cologne. The two doctoral candidates from each department will collaborate closely and complement each other. The two departments are already cooperating on various projects related to the connection between gaze and language. The project now being launched is therefore backed by a multidisciplinary team from the fields of psychology, linguistics, phonetics, cognitive and neuroscience, and medicine. The project is also part of the DFG Priority Program Understanding Gaze (UGaze), which offers a wide range of opportunities for exchange and personal development at workshops, conferences and summer schools.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about fundamental social psychology research but also has an affinity for technical developments. Previous experience in the investigation and analysis of human gaze behavior is desirable. In addition, the ability to work in a team and interdisciplinary communication and cooperation skills are essential. We offer the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in an interdisciplinary team and to exchange ideas with scientists from different countries and disciplines, both in daily work and at national and international levels.

Further information about the involved groups:

Further information about the DFG Priority Programm ‚Understanding Gaze’:

Applications from female candidates are expressly welcome and will be given priority in the event of equal suitability, competence and professional performance. People with disabilities are welcome to apply and will be treated preferentially in the event of equal suitability and qualification.

Contact

Dr. Mathis Jording

  Universitätsklinikum Köln AöR
Geschäftsbereich Personal
Kerpener Str. 62
50937 Köln

Application deadline: 12.10.2025

Job-ID: tpvi8igr

We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you!