Fully funded 4-year Postdoc Position (m/f/d) | Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience (Area: Social Cognition) – Doeller Lab Full-time NEW

Fully Funded 4-Year Postdoc Position | Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience

We invite applications for a fully funded 4-year postdoctoral position funded by DFG for an outstanding early-career researcher to join the team of Christian Doeller at the Department of Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI-CBS), Leipzig, Germany.

You will work at the forefront of cognitive neuroscience in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment, with access to world-class facilities and a vibrant scientific community.

Start date: Flexible

This position is embedded in a forthcoming Leibniz Prize project that builds directly on our lab's work on cognitive maps and the hippocampal–entorhinal system. The project investigates how spatial coding principles extend beyond traditional domains (e.g., navigation and memory) to support social cognition and belief formation.

A central aim of this project group is to develop a neurocognitive account of how spatial mapping mechanisms give rise to social cognition and belief formation, and how these processes may underlie systematic cognitive biases. In doing so, the research bridges cognitive and computational neuroscience and social psychology within a unified framework.

This is a fully funded, 4-year postdoctoral position (with the possibility of a 1-year extension) in the research group of Christian Doeller. The position offers an exceptional opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in an international, cross-disciplinary, and intellectually stimulating environment.

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including four 3T MR scanners and one 7T MR scanner, MEG, EEG, VR labs, psychophysics & eye-tracking facilities, and access to neurological patients via the Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology at Leipzig University Hospital as part of collaborative projects.

Personalized mentoring, including tailored support for scientific and career development; opportunity to work towards developing independent research directions and engage in interdisciplinary collaboration; opportunity to co-supervise undergraduate and PhD students and contribute to training the next generation of scientists; support for presenting research at leading international conferences, including opportunities for visibility and networking (independent travel budget); targeted career development planning, including external academic or industry mentors; access to career development workshops, coaching, and training; access to leading scientific networks.

Salary is based on the regulations of the Max Planck Society and is commensurate with experience. We support flexible working arrangements, work–life balance, and family-friendly working conditions, including parental support measures where applicable. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We offer flexible working arrangements and support a healthy work–life balance. We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and encourage applications from such individuals.

Leipzig is a vibrant city that has been called “Germany's new cultural hot spot” by The Guardian and is listed as one of the places to go by The New York Times. It has a rich tradition in classical music, academic education, and—more recently—the modern arts. Leipzig is home to three Max Planck Institutes.

We are looking for outstanding early-career scientists who bring fresh ideas, deep curiosity, and a collaborative mindset. You should have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science, physics, or a related field; expertise or strong interest in social cognition; solid expertise in cognitive neuroscience methods; strong programming skills; excellent academic track record; ability to work both independently and collaboratively. We value scientific ambition, creativity, openness, and strong communication skills.

Applications will be evaluated based on scientific merit and research potential. Please submit (in one pdf file): a cover letter, CV, a max. 2-page research proposal that clearly aligns with the project described above, demonstrating how your ideas fit within and contribute to this research direction, contact details of three referees (to be contacted after initial review). Applications must be submitted by July 13, 2026 via our online portal (reference number “PostDoc 03/26”). If you have any questions please contact doeller-office@cbs.mpg.de.