Postdoc Position in Cognitive Abilities Across the Lifespan, University of Lübeck, Germany

Summary

The University of Lübeck’s Institute of Psychology offers a 36‑month full‑time post‑doctoral position starting 1 March 2027. The role combines teaching duties in bachelor and master psychology modules with research on cognitive abilities across the lifespan, focusing on learning processes, motivation, neuromodulation, and age‑related brain changes. Candidates must hold a PhD in psychology or related fields and have teaching experience, strong statistical skills, and proficiency in Python, R or MATLAB. The position provides a TV‑L salary with annual bonus, 30 days of vacation plus holidays, flexible and mobile work options, extensive corporate benefits, and a pathway toward habilitation. Applications close on 29 November 2026.

Key Facts

Employer	University of Lübeck
Department	Institut für Psychologie
Position Type	Postdoc
Discipline	Psychology
Research Area	Psychological and neuronal mechanisms of cognitive abilities across the lifespan
Degree Required	Doctorate (PhD)
Experience	Teaching experience in psychology
Salary	Tarifliche Vergütung inkl. Jahressonderzahlung (TV-L)
Funding	Salary according to TV-L
Contract Duration	Fixed-term until 28.02.2030 (36 months)
Deadline	2026-11-29
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Nico Bunzeck +49 451 / 3101 3600 [email protected]
Employer Address	Schleswig-Holstein

About the Project

The project investigates psychological and neuronal mechanisms underlying cognitive abilities throughout the lifespan. It examines learning processes, motivation, curiosity, dopaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation, and age‑related brain changes to understand their impact on cognition.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in teaching bachelor and master psychology courses, especially developmental and educational psychology modules
• Participate in research projects on psychological and neuronal mechanisms of cognitive abilities across the lifespan
• Study learning processes and their relation to motivation, curiosity, and dopaminergic/cholinergic neuromodulation
• Investigate age‑related changes of the human brain and their relevance for cognitive abilities

Required Skills

• Teaching experience in psychology
• Excellent statistical knowledge and proficiency with Python, R or MATLAB
• Interest or experience in cognitive‑neuroscience topics, especially aging, learning and memory
• Teamwork and ability to work independently

Who Should Apply

Applicants with a doctorate in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience or related disciplines, who have teaching experience in psychology and strong quantitative and programming skills, and who are interested in lifespan cognitive research.

Benefits

• Tarifliche Vergütung inkl. Jahressonderzahlung (TV‑L)
• 30 days of vacation per year plus 24 Dec and 31 Dec holidays
• Flexible working hours, part‑time options and mobile work
• NAH.SH/Deutschland‑Jobticket, university sports, discounted campus meals and other corporate benefits
• Health management program “Gesunde Hochschule”
• Company pension scheme with high employer contribution (VBL)
• Secure workplace with many events and further training opportunities

About the Employer

The University of Lübeck is a modern foundation university with a focus on life sciences, offering a broad spectrum of programmes in medicine, health sciences, psychology, mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering. It emphasizes excellent research and teaching and promotes equality and diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the position start?

01.03.2027

What is the application deadline?

29.11.2026

Is the contract fixed‑term?

Yes, until 28.02.2030 (36 months)

How many vacation days are provided?

30 days per year plus 24 Dec and 31 Dec holidays