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

Faculty of Psychology:
Personality Psychology Lab

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.

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

We offer:

• A motivated and cooperative team, resources for research and travel, the possibility of partially working from home or remotely, and an international network of collaborators.

Further information

The position is on a civil servant basis and is governed by the relevant civil service regulations, in particular the Landesbeamtengesetz (LBG NRW) and the Laufbahnverordnung (LVO). After the personal and career requirements have been met, the salary is paid in grade A13.

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

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.

5-day workweek; remote work possible upon mutual agreement.

This is a full-time position, initially limited to three years—with the option of an extension for a further three years — and is scheduled to be filled as of September 1, 2026 or of October 1, 2026. (Hiring of the successful candidate is subject to the final (formal) approval of the position, which we anticipate receiving shortly.)

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.

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.

Contacts for further information

Prof. Dr. Marie Hennecke , Tel.: +49 234 32 22676
Carsten Lienenkamp (MTV) , Tel.: +49 234 32 15060

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 2026-06-12. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5759.