Post-Doc OR PhD Candidate (m/f/d): General Psychology / Cognitive Psychology

Constructor University (formerly Jacobs University) is a private, state-accredited, English-language university in Bremen. We offer Bachelor, Master, and PhD programs in three schools: School of Science, School of Computer Science and Engineering, and School of Business, Social and Decision Sciences. Our principles are first-class teaching and research, international diversity, and transdisciplinary cooperation. According to the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Constructor University is among the top 25 percent out of more than 1.900 universities worldwide and is ranked as the second most international university in the world. As an international university, we attract highly talented and open-minded students from all over the world. Currently, over 1.800 students from 120 nations live and study on our residential campus.

Constructor University invites applications from interested candidates for the following position, to be filled ideally by 1st September 2026:

Post-Doc OR PhD Candidate (m/f/d): General Psychology / Cognitive Psychology

(TV-L 13, 100% OR 75%, for a period of 4 years)

The position is part of the DFG-funded research project "Individual determinants of response strategy formation in voluntary task switching" headed by Prof. Jovita Brüning in collaboration with the research group of Prof. Dirk Ostwald and Prof. Markus Ullsperger (University of Magdeburg). In this project, we investigate inter-individual differences in task switching decisions. In previous research, individual preferences for response strategies were identified that are characterized by distinct response patterns in voluntary task-switching situations and represent stable individual biases, unaffected by task variations, but differing in performance efficiency. In the project, individual determinants of response strategy formation in task choice behavior and their interaction with performance-based, intrinsic, and extrinsic factors will be investigated (e.g., learning ability, reward, and personality traits). The research project is part of a DFG Research Unit entitled “Voluntary task switching: Cognitive processes and models to account for task choices”. In this context, regular meetings with other project groups and international guests allow for collaborations and advanced training in selective research methods. All meetings will be held in English.

Your responsibilities:

• Conducting research related to the project, including programming of behavioral experiments, data collection (including electrophysiological recordings), coordination of lab facilities, data analyses, and documentation

• Guiding student assistants, Bachelor's and Master's students

• Presenting scientific findings at both national and international conferences

• Publication of research findings in international journals

Your qualifications:

• Master Degree if you apply as a PhD candidate OR Master Degree + PhD if you apply for the Post-doc position, preferably in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or a related natural science discipline with a focus on experimental psychology

• Strong interest in basic psychological research questions at the interface of differential and cognitive psychology in the areas of multitasking

• Experience or willingness to learn cognitive-neuroscientific methods (e.g., EEG)

• Excellent English skills (written and spoken)

• Good programming skills (preferably in Javascript, Matlab and/or R)

• Experience in planning and conducting experimental studies

• Excellent methodological and statistical skills

• Ability to work in a team, to cooperate with colleagues, and to work in an independent, responsible and committed manner

• Interest in and experience with methods and tools of "open and reproducible science”

• Willingness for further scientific qualification (PhD) and to reside in Bremen or the surrounding area for the period of the project

What you can expect at Constructor University:

We are an international, world-class private university embarking on an exciting journey of growth and expanding our portfolio. Join us and become a part of our global teams!

Constructor University consistently achieves top results in national and international university rankings.

In the CHE Ranking, the most comprehensive and detailed ranking of the German-speaking higher education landscape, Constructor University has achieved top placements every year since its first participation in 2005.

• The result counts: trust working hours for work-life balance

• Individual on-boarding, career- and development planning

• Company fitness program offers with EGYM Well Pass (former Qualitrain)

• Green campus with recreation areas, take the tour: Our Campus

• Constructor University has extensive programs on sustainability and environmental sustainability

Constructor University unequivocally guarantees the academic freedom of every member of the faculty, as well as every other member of the Constructor University community. We encourage diversity in the University in ethnic, cultural, social, religious, political, and national backgrounds, as well as in individual lifestyle. Constructor University offers full equality of opportunity to all qualified applicants and is an equal opportunity employer.

Your application:

For any further information regarding this position, please contact Prof. Jovita Brüning, via Mail ([email protected]).

Apply today - it's simple and uncomplicated. We look forward to getting to know you.

A complete application includes the following materials:

(1) a cover letter,

(2) a curriculum vitae,

(3) copies of certificates and diplomas,

(4) certification of English proficiency (optional),

(5) two recommendation letters (optional)

The review of applications will begin immediately.

Please note that only applications submitted through the official application portal will be considered for recognition.