In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (41,00 hours/week = 100 %) starting from 2026/09/01 or 2026/10/01, we are looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x; as "Akad. Rat/Rätin auf Zeit": 3-year contract with a possible 3-year extension)

The Personality Lab at Ruhr University Bochum is searching for a postdoctoral researcher ("Akademische/r Rat/Rätin [m/f/x] auf Zeit"; Temporary Civil Service Appointment). Our lab’s research addresses fundamental psychological questions pertaining to the basic processes underlying motivation, goal pursuit, self-control, and personality development.

This position is offered within the framework of the RUB’s “New Career Paths” program. Provided that the requirements are met, the successful applicant will be appointed as a “Postdoctoral Researcher” (e.g., as “Akademischer Rätin/Rat”) and, through an independent, criteria-based evaluation, will be able to further develop their expertise and experience in order to attain the status of “Established Researcher.” The ideal candidate (m/f/x) will have relevant research experience in these domains. Applicants should furthermore have advanced knowledge of quantitative research methodology (e.g., lab or online experiments, behavioral observation, experience sampling) and statistics (e.g., multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling), as well as excellent command of spoken and written English, and the ability to give effective presentations. Primary tasks include research, acquisition of third-party funding, teaching, as well as participation in administrative and departmental service.

Scope: full-time Duration: fixed-term, 3-year contract with a possible extension of an additional 3-years Start: starting from 2026/09/01 or 2026/10/01 Apply by: 2026-06-12

Your tasks:

• Conceptualization and administration of research projects
• Dissemination of results in academic articles and on academic conferences
• Acquisition of third-party funding
• Teaching (4 SWS; approximately two courses per semester)
• Student mentoring and supervision of B.Sc./M.Sc. theses, co-mentoring and supervision of doctoral theses
• Administration and service for the lab and the department/faculty (e.g., exam administration; science communication; representation in the ECR council)

Your profile:

• Very good or good doctorate in Psychology (applicants who have completed their doctoral requirements and are awaiting their defense will be considered)
• Research profile aligned with or closely related to at least one of the lab’s research areas (including, among others, goals, self-regulation, self-control, motivation, personality, emotion, well-being, personality development, intra-individual variability).
• Scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent knowledge of research methods and quantitative data analysis (primarily in R)
• Excellent presentation skills (in English, and ideally also in German)
• High levels of social competence, conscientiousness; interest and ambition to pursue an academic career

https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/0ab30f20708f5f11be89f66d279324f3fd8441970?ref=AfA