Job Advertisement: Research Associate (PhD Candidate) (m/f/d)
Institute of Psychology, Department of Developmental with Educational Psychology
Faculty 11 – Human and Health Sciences
University of Bremen
Starting as soon as possible, earliest from [contact details available in the full listing]
Position:
Scientific Employee (PhD Candidate) (m/f/d)
Salary Group 13, TV-L
Part-time (50%) – 19.6 working hours per week
Fixed-term for 4 years
The appointment is made for the purpose of scientific qualification under § 2 (1) of the German Science Time Act (WissZeitVG). Therefore, your application will only be considered if you still have qualifying time available under § 2 (1) WissZeitVG.
About the University as an Employer
The University of Bremen is a medium-sized university with approximately 20,000 students and around 3,500 employees. It ranks among Germany’s top universities in terms of third-party funding and research strength.
The Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology investigates socio-cognitive development. Using combined eye-tracking and electroencephalography (EEG), the group studies neural and behavioral development in laboratory settings and in realistic social interactions. Research also includes video-based communication, virtual reality, and interactions with artificial intelligence and robots. Our work spans cognitive, social, and emotional development across the lifespan—from infancy and childhood through adulthood—and includes developmental psychopathologies such as autism and social anxiety.
This position offers the opportunity to develop and conduct research projects in these or related areas under the supervision of the group leader. You will benefit from active support in your (academic) career, participation in international collaborative studies and conferences, and the chance to gain methodological expertise in EEG, (mobile) eye-tracking, hyperscanning, and virtual reality. The group offers courses in the BSc and MSc Psychology programs with a strong focus on developmental psychology.
Your Responsibilities Include:
- Scientific teaching duties amounting to 2 teaching hours per week (LVS), including:
- Delivery of subject-specific knowledge and practical skills
- Training in scientific methods in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and (if applicable) state examination programs in Psychology, in accordance with the current LVNV (Lectureship and Teaching Volume Regulation)
- (Possibly) teaching export activities in the context of discipline-specific instruction for other academic units
- Conducting independent scientific work, especially the completion of a doctoral thesis
(According to the BremHG, at least one-third of working time is allocated for this in full-time positions; at least half in part-time positions) - Scientific support in research, including active participation in research projects
- Other university duties, such as involvement in academic self-administration
We Expect You to Have:
- A completed university degree in Psychology (Master’s or equivalent diploma) or a closely related field (e.g., cognitive science, neuroscience, developmental psychology, etc.) with very good or excellent grades
- Candidates currently in the final phase of their Master’s studies are also welcome to apply. Please note: A Master’s degree certificate is required for appointment.
- Excellent statistical skills (e.g., using statistical software such as R)
- Experience in programming experiments and analyses (e.g., using Python / PsychoPy, Matlab)
- Strong knowledge of psychological research methods
- Knowledge of Open Science principles (e.g., pre-registration, code sharing, data sharing)
- Proficiency in English and German
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research team
- Passion for developmental psychology, particularly in the areas of social interaction and/or the role of media in development, aligning with the research profile of the group (see: https://www.uni-bremen.de/entwicklungspsychologie for relevant publications and pre-registrations) is asuumed
- Readyness to test participants using EEG, eye-tracking, hyperscanning, and/or virtual reality
We Offer:
- Strong support for your (academic) career development
- A friendly, stimulating, and internationally connected research team committed to Open Science principles
- Opportunities to participate in national and international collaborations and conferences
- Extensive training in research and teaching with a wide range of methodological tools (EEG, mobile eye-tracking, hyperscanning, virtual reality)
- Annual gross salary between €57,112 (Step 1) and €81,176 (Step 6) for full-time positions, depending on qualifications and experience. The step assignment is determined by the university based on relevant professional experience upon offer. This also affects additional benefits such as annual bonuses (“Christmas bonus”) and potential career advancement within the salary group.
Base regulations: TV-L (Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst), particularly § 16 TV-L - For civil servants: Salary is determined according to the Bremen Salary Act (BremHG)
- Additional pension scheme (VBL) for public sector employees
- 30 days of vacation per calendar year (for a 5-day workweek)
- A diverse, forward-looking, and open corporate culture
- Supportive, motivated team with a positive working atmosphere
- Individual onboarding and mentoring
- Opportunities for further training and professional development
- Family-friendly policies including flexible working hours (flexitime) and the possibility of mobile work (subject to operational requirements)
- Free counseling services for social and family matters
- Active occupational health management, including discounts at local sports clubs, fitness studios, and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
- Access to a job ticket (public transport pass)
- Numerous offers for sports and cultural activities
- Diverse food options in the student cafeteria (Studentenwerk)
Have Questions?
For general questions about the recruitment process or specific inquiries regarding the position, please contact:
Prof. Dr. Louisa Kulke
Email: kulke@uni-bremen.de
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any uncertainties about the position, your suitability, or other questions before applying.
How to Apply:
Please submit your complete and meaningful application documents (academic CV including education and publication list, and a concise cover letter of approximately 2 pages explaining your suitability) with reference number A130-26 by 22.09.2026 as a single PDF file via unencrypted email to:
Prof. Dr. Louisa Kulke
Email: kulke@uni-bremen.de
Or by post to:
University of Bremen, Faculty 11
Prof. Dr. Louisa Kulke
Universitätsallee 1c
28359 Bremen
⚠️ Please note: Photos must not be included with your application.
We kindly ask you to submit only digital copies (no physical folders or printed documents), as we are unable to return application materials.
Data Protection Notice (§§ 12, 13 GDPR):
Your application documents will be stored in accordance with Art. 6 GDPR in conjunction with § 12 BremDSGVOAG, §§ 85ff. BremBG, and § 15 AGG until the end of the statutory retention period, after which they will be destroyed.
Any costs incurred during the application process cannot be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application!
General Information:
Since its founding 50 years ago, the University of Bremen has maintained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas. With a broad range of disciplines, we combine outstanding performance with great innovation potential. As an ambitious research university, we are committed to the concept of research-based learning and strong interdisciplinary orientation. We actively shape international scientific collaborations in a partnership-oriented manner. Today, around 23,000 people—students, teachers, researchers, and staff—learn, teach, research, and work on our international campus.
In research, teaching, administration, and operations, we firmly commit to the goals of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. Our “Bremen Spirit” is reflected in courage to take risks, mutual support, respect, and appreciation for one another.
With our academic profile and membership in the European YUFE network, we take on societal responsibility locally, across Europe, and globally.
The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse, and committed to being an international university. We welcome applicants of all genders, nationalities, ethnic and social backgrounds, religions/worldviews, disabilities, ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
The University of Bremen actively promotes the employment of women at all levels. Women are therefore particularly encouraged to apply.
People with disabilities are given priority in hiring if their professional and personal qualifications are substantially equivalent.
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