Job Description

Position as Postdoctoral Scholar in Computational Neuroscience - Cheng Lab

Are you curious about how the human brain stores memories? Have you wondered how we manage to navigate through space? Our dynamic research group uses diverse computational modeling approaches, including biological neural networks, cognitive modeling, and machine learning/artificial intelligence, to study learning and memory. 

Currently, we are actively seeking a talented Postdoc to join our team, someone whose primary task will be developing advanced algorithms to analyze learning dynamics. You will be analyzing neural, psychophysiological, and behavioral data from other projects within the SFB 1280 (https://sfb1280.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/home/ project F01) to compare learning dynamics across individuals, species, and paradigms. You will provide theoretical support to collaborating projects and coordinate the analysis of the data collected from experimental groups. 

This position is 100% at TV-L E13, starting on 01.03.2026, and is funded until 30.06.2029.

We are committed to providing a supportive work environment for female researchers and those with young children. Our university provides mentoring and coaching opportunities specifically aimed at women in research. We have a strong research network with female role models and will provide opportunities to meet with them. Wherever possible, events will be scheduled during regular childcare hours. Special childcare can be arranged if events have to be scheduled outside of regular hours, in case of sickness and during school or daycare closures. Where childcare is not an option parents will be offered a home office solution. We strongly encourage applications from qualified women and persons with disabilities.

How to Apply

The official posting for this position can be found at https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/ca74ad0f5c0f99ec276b0d6ca56195d54f382d2e0

To apply please submit an application via our online portal https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/jobposting/ca74ad0f5c0f99ec276b0d6ca56195d54f382d2e0/apply Upload your letter of motivation, CV, transcripts and research statement.

Application deadline: 01.01.2026

Contact person: Vinita Samarasinghe, samarasinghe@ini.rub.de

Requirements

Candidates must have:

• an excellent doctoral degree in neuroscience, physics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field (mandatory)
• competence in mathematical modeling (mandatory)
• excellent programming skills, e.g., Python (mandatory)
• relevant research experience in neuroscience or a related field is required
• experience in the study of learning dynamics
• experience working within a collaborative research group
• excellent communication skills in English, and
• team spirit.

Ruhr University Bochum is committed to equal opportunity in employment and gender equality in its working environment. To increase gender distribution in all job categories and at all levels, we strongly encourage applications from qualified women. Female applicants will be given preferential consideration when their level of qualification, competence and professional achievements equals that of male candidates, unless arguments based on the personal background of a male co-applicant prevail. Applications from appropriately qualified handicapped persons are also encouraged.