PhD student (f/m/d)

The position (75%, E13 according to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the States (TV-L)) is available from 01 July 2025 and initially limited until 31.12.2026 (with an extension for an additional 12 or 18 months, subject to the approval of funding). The IRTG 2773 is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and is a structured international graduate programme established between the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology (IoPPN) King’s College London. It investigates risk factors and pathomechanisms of affective disorders to improve prevention, early detection and treatment. Within the unique environment of the transcampus®, young scientists are trained in the field of translational research on affective disorders, have access to an outstanding scientific infrastructure and will work in an interdisciplinary and international environment. The position is to be filled at the Clinical Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience Lab. The candidate will work in the project “Neural correlates of social cognitive risk factors for depression and bipolar disorder (P4)” at the Chair of Prof. Dr. Philipp Kanske in collaboration with Dr. Roland Zahn at IoPPN. The project aims to investigate alterations of the neural correlates of socio-affective and -cognitive processes, including empathy and theory of mind, that are associated with increased vulnerability to develop depressive or manic episodes.

In this role, you will take full responsibility for the project outlined above, ensuring its smooth and effective execution. One of your key responsibilities will be the coordination of the study, where you will oversee all aspects of its planning and implementation. You will also supervise student assistants, providing guidance and support to ensure that their work aligns with the project's objectives and maintains high standards.

Data analysis will be another crucial aspect of your responsibilities. You will work closely with the collected data, interpreting the results and extracting meaningful insights that contribute to the project's success. Additionally, you will be involved in writing scientific publications, documenting your findings and ensuring that the research is presented in a clear, comprehensive, and impactful manner.

Moreover, you will actively participate in the IRTG (International Research Training Group) curriculum, contributing to its development and engaging in activities that further your academic and professional growth. Your contributions will be integral to the project's progress and the overall success of the research endeavor.

Your profile:

• University degree (master or diploma) in psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or related disciplines
• Previous knowledge and experience in behavioural experimental-psychological testing including participant recruiting and coordination
• Experience in behavioural and neuroscientific methodology is desirable (e.g. eye-tracking, ECG, EEG, fMRI)
• Sound knowledge in statistics (e.g. R), experimental psychology and clinical diagnostics
• Very good communication, organizational and team skills
• Temporal flexibility and professional approach in contact with test persons
• excellent written and spoken language skills in English (C1) and German (at least A2)
• Keen interest in social clinical cognition and neuroscience, neuroscience methods and affective disorders

We offer you:

• Working in a highly interdisciplinary team that will support you  
• A well-structured curriculum comprising behavioural and developmental neuroscience, psychiatry, clinical and cognitive psychology and key competencies
• Close collaboration with and exchange at IoPPN, King’s College London  
• Arranging for flexible working hours to find a balance between work and family life

Your contact in the HR Directorate

Katrin Hantke

Tel.: 0351-458 5585