Research Assistant/Associate - Postdoctoral Researcher (100 %) - 4-Year Postdoc on Psychology of Language Control (f/m/d)

Weitere Informationen

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract.
The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term The position is offered for a fixed term of four years..
A follow-up proposal to extend the research unit funding by a further four years is planned; if it is approved, an extension of the position would be possible.
The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts).
This is a full-time position.
The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L).
The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L..

Unser Profil

The position is embedded in the DFG funded Research Unit “Bilingual Flexibility — The Psychology of Language Control” at RWTH Aachen University and is hosted by the lab Biological Psychology and Social Psychology (Prof. Dr. Anna K. Kuhlen). The RU examines how cognitive control mechanisms enable bilingual speakers to flexibly adapt language use to task and social demands. Research combines behavioral paradigms and EEG/ERP with complementary neuroimaging and longitudinal approaches, linking mechanisms of language control, learning, and social interaction. The RU brings together several PIs across RWTH and beyond, offering a highly collaborative environment with strong national and international networks and many opportunities for co-authorship and career development.

One part of this position is attached to the lab of Prof. Dr. Anna K. Kuhlen; the other to the Research Unit.

Ihr Profil

• University degree (master's degree or equivalent) and PhD (completed or imminent) in experimental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong grounding in experimental design and programming (Python, PsychoPy, or equivalent) and statistical analysis (R, Python).
• Experience with EEG/ERP acquisition and analysis is a strong advantage; applicants with strong experimental and programming skills who are motivated to acquire EEG expertise are welcome.
• Track record of first-author empirical papers or demonstrable pipeline toward such publications.
• Familiarity with paradigms for single-word production (e.g., picture naming) and/or cognitive control (e.g., task switching) is desirable.
• Willingness to participate in teaching‑related activity (approx. 2 SWS) in the field of cognitive neuroscience and experimental methods
• Excellent organisational and interpersonal skills; experience in collaborative projects is desirable.
• Very good English (written and spoken); basic German not required at application but willingness to learn within two years (training supported).
• Commitment to inclusive, cooperative research culture.

We explicitly welcome applications from candidates who meet many but not necessarily all criteria — motivation and rapid learning ability are valued.

Ihre Aufgaben

This position offers immediate research leadership combined with career-building infrastructure responsibilities. You will be based in Aachen within a closely connected Research Unit, working daily with colleagues across EEG, fMRI, eye‑tracking and longitudinal methods. The close proximity and shared goals foster frequent collaboration, strong mentorship, and excellent national and international networking — an ideal setting to broaden methodological skills, increase visibility, and develop an independent programme.

Research responsibilities (Biological Psychology & Social Psychology)

You will take a leading role on experimentally driven projects combining behavioural and EEG/ERP methods. Our lab contributes two complementary lines: (i) partner‑related modulation of lexical access in single‑word production, and (ii) mechanisms of language control in multilingual contexts. You will design and run behavioural and EEG/ERP experiments, co‑supervise doctoral students, coordinate EEG lab activities (acquisition, preprocessing, ERP analyses), and contribute to publications, presentations, and grant writing. Limited teaching (≈2 SWS) is included. We encourage development of a complementary independent research programme and provide support for career development (mentoring, conference funding, grant coaching).

Research responsibilities (Research Unit)

You will also help build and maintain RU infrastructure enabling reproducible, high-quality science and strengthen our international network in bilingualism. Tasks include co-organizing RU scientific events (student and administrative support provided), implementing online assessments and participant-recruitment workflows (SONA), and harmonising datasets for archival storage (PsychArchives). You will be invited to participate in planned RU-wide initiatives: international workshops, a collaborative review, and a themed journal special issue — all designed to accelerate dissemination and network building. These activities provide visible leadership roles, co-authorship opportunities, and platforms to showcase your methods and findings. The practical open-science skills you gain (EEG pipelines, data management, SONA workflows) directly support your own research and career trajectory.

Application materials

Please submit a single PDF containing: a short cover letter (motivation statement); your curriculum vitae including a publication list; names and contact details of two referees; and copies of relevant certificates/transcripts.

Über uns

RWTH is a certified family-friendly University. We support our employees in maintaining a good work-life balance with a wide range of health, advising, and prevention services, for example university sports. Employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements and civil servants have access to an extensive range of further training courses and the opportunity to purchase a job ticket.
RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We therefore welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, particularly from groups that are underrepresented at the University. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is strongly committed to encouraging women in their careers. Female applicants are given preference if they are equally suitable, competent, and professionally qualified, unless a fellow candidate is favored for a specific reason.
As RWTH is committed to equality of opportunity, we ask you not to include a photo in your application.
You can find information on the personal data we collect from applicants in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) at http://www.rwth-aachen.de/dsgvo-information-bewerbung.

Besoldung / Entgelt

EG 13 TV-L.