Scientist Berlin Cultural Studies Cognitive Research Social Sciences
Job Code: 22/2026
At the Max Planck Institute for Human Development, we study how and why people develop differently over the course of their lives, and how physical, societal, and technological aspects of the environment shape this process. Working across disciplines such as psychology, neuroscience, computer science, economics, and sociology, we conduct research in a context that fosters academic freedom, curiosity, and collaboration to generate insights that help shape the living conditions in which individuals and societies can thrive. We bring together interdisciplinary research infrastructures and local and international collaborations to generate knowledge that strengthens individuals and society. Our vision is that of a healthy environment and an open society that allows individuals to realize their potential.
The to-be-established Center for Affective and Autonomic Neuroscience (CAAN) at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (EG 13 TVöD; 39 hours/week) to test the causes and consequences of large autonomic changes across adulthood using rich, previously collected longitudinal datasets, as well as helping to plan and analyze new datasets. The position is a four-year fixed-term contract. The start date could be anytime from September 1, 2026, through the first half of 2027.
This is a role at the intersection of physiology, computational analysis, and aging neuroscience. Autonomic function shifts dramatically across the adult lifespan, yet these midlife changes are largely missing from current models of aging. High-frequency heart rate variability—a primary index of parasympathetic (vagal) activity—is roughly 80% lower at age 60 than at age 20, while resting sympathetic nerve activity approximately doubles over the same period (for more information, see Mather, 2024, “The emotion paradox in the aging body and brain”). The mechanisms driving these changes, and their downstream consequences for the brain and body, remain poorly understood.
In this role, you would benefit from:
The Institute provides a stimulating, international work environment with an engaged, collegial team in Berlin, Dahlem. In addition, the following benefits are available:
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich our society and foster scientific excellence. We are committed to increasing the number of women in areas in which they are underrepresented and employing more people with disabilities. We welcome applications from people who belong to groups that are often underrepresented in the workplace due to, among other factors, age, disability/chronic illness, ethnicity, gender identity, and religion.
You can find out more about our commitment to diversity and the accommodations available to meet your individual needs by visiting our website:
www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/diversity
Please use our recruitment platform for your application. We also accept applications via email (sekmather@mpib-berlin.mpg.de) or by post (MPI for Human Development, Sandra Schmidt, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin). The application should include the following documents in a single PDF file: a cover letter describing your research interests, your CV, relevant certificates, and, if available, a representative preprint or publication. Please submit your application without a photo. Applications must be submitted by July 27, 2026, to ensure consideration. However, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions about the position advertised, please contact Mara Mather, mather@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.
The data protection declaration for the processing of personal data within the scope of your application.
Tagged as: Life Sciences
PhD or Postdoc Position Behavioral Neurobiology The Neural Mechanisms of Natural Behavior Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for...
ApplyPostdoctoral Position (m/f/d) | The Sensory Ecology of Worm Towers Scientist Radolfzell / Konstanz Job Code: 170 Job Offer from...
ApplyPhD Student Or Postdoc (F/M/D) | Understanding And Manipulating Ubiquitin Ligase Specificities Young Researchers Göttingen Developmental And Evolutionary Biology &...
ApplyPostdoctoral Researcher (f_m_x) – Generative AI for Earth System Sciences Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, particularly generative AI, have the potential...
ApplyPostdoc Position Time-Resolved Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy of Correlated Materials The Fritz Haber Institute in Berlin is one of the...
ApplyPostdoctoral Position Spectro-Microscopy Studies of Complex Processes in Thermal Catalysis and Electrochemistry The Fritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck...
ApplyPlease visit www.mpg.de.
Don't forget to mention that you found the position on jobRxiv!
