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Faculty of Psychology:
Department of Biopsychology
SFB 1280


In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a

PhD Student (m/f/d) (TV-L 13, 75 %)

The SFB 1280 studies the neural, behavioral, optogenetic, and clinical mechanisms of extinction learning in various species, including humans. In our project, we investigate the neural fundaments of extinction learning in pigeons. Recent findings identified violations of reward-predictions as the driving force of extinction learning and related relapse phenomena. To understand the underlying neural mechanisms and relationships within the extinction network, the applicant will record from the fronto- striatal circuity of the pigeon brain while the animals perform an appetitive extinction-learning task. In-vivo neurophysiological recordings combined with optogenetics and behavioral analyses will be the main approaches of this project. In our lab, we offer excellent scientific conditions and an extremely friendly and cooperative research environment. Further, its embeddedness in the CRC “Extinction learning“ guarantees that this project is associated with a highly cooperative team of research groups.

Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 30.06.2029
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by:
2026-03-30

Your tasks:

Techniques that will be relevant are in-vivo multi-channel electrophysiological recordings, behavioral experiments and state-of-the-art neural data analysis.

Your profile:

We are looking for a highly skilled and enthusiastic PhD student with a background in behavioral neurobiology and neural data science.


We offer:

    Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence, A qualified on-boarding and induction process, A varied sports program with around 100 sport disciplines and the university's own gym, Extensive training and professional development opportunities

    Further information:

    The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.

    Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).

    The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

    If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.

    A qualified application is already expected.

    RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees. 

    German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en

    The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.

    The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.


    The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

    Contact persons for further information:

    Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Onur Güntürkün , Tel.: +49 234 32 28213

    Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.

    We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-03-30. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5528.

    Online application