Two PhD Positions (f/m/d) | Lise Meitner Group Neuroplasticity in Development and Learning Full-time

Two PhD Positions | Lise Meitner Group Neuroplasticity in Development and Learning

Young Researchers Berlin Cultural Studies Cognitive Research Social Sciences

Job Code: 30/2026

Job Offer from August 14, 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 do research within a context that fosters academic freedom, curiosity, and collaborative work to generate insights that help shape living conditions for individuals and societies to thrive. We combine pioneering interdisciplinary research infrastructures with local and international collaboration 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 Lise Meitner Group Neuroplasticity in Development and Learning at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin invites applications for Two PhD Positions (E 13 TVöD 75%; 39 hours/week). The positions are for 3 years and are available from October 1, 2026 on, but later start dates are possible.

Job Description

The Lise Meitner Group Neuroplasticity in Development and Learning explores how the human brain develops from the prenatal period through infancy, childhood, and into adulthood, and how experience shapes brain organization and function across the lifespan. Combining state-of-the-art multimodal MRI techniques with behavioral research, we quantify changes in white and gray matter organization, myelination, and brain function to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive development and learning. Our work thus bridges fundamental neuroscience with questions of direct relevance for education and child development. To address these questions, we combine locally acquired longitudinal neuroimaging and behavioral datasets with the analysis of large-scale, openly available datasets, enabling us to investigate both individual developmental trajectories and population-level variability. The advertised positions offer the opportunity to contribute to research on the neural foundations of literacy acquisition, early brain development, and/or the interplay between brain structure and function within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment.

The successful candidates will be involved in all steps of the research endeavor including the recruitment of participants, MRI and behavioral data acquisition, data curation, data analysis and publication of the results. There are no formal teaching requirements. Additional responsibilities include: participating in academic conferences; and presenting research findings and project outcomes, authoring scientific publications in relevant peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

Applicants should hold (or expect to obtain by the start date) a Master's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a related discipline. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with experience in experimental research and a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, brain development, and/or learning. Excellent analytical and programming skills, the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and proficiency in spoken and written English are essential. Experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB is highly desirable. Prior experience with MRI data acquisition or analysis and proficiency in spoken and written German are considered an advantage. Experience working with developmental populations is also an advantage.

Our Offer

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers an excellent research infrastructure, including support staff and equipment. It provides an international research environment, with English as the working language. The research group fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment both within the group and in international collaborations. The following benefits are also available:

• Access to the training programs offered by the Planck Academy of the MPG
• Flexible working hours
• Possibility to work remotely (as a rule, up to 40%, depending on work processes)
• Annual bonus payment in accordance with the TVöD (German public sector pay scale); 30 days of vacation
• Daycare partnerships with dedicated places; a parent-child room at the institute
• Excellent public transport connections (U3 Breitenbachplatz, barrier-free)
• Jobticket
• Institute canteen and biodiverse institute garden
• Various offers related to “health in the workplace” (e.g., fitness room, massage services, yoga classes)
• Extensive support services, e.g., International Office, Representatives for Employees with Disabilities, Gender Equality Office, mental health support
• Diversity-sensitive working environment (e.g., meetups, networking, accessible and gender-neutral toilets)

Diversity and Inclusion

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

Your Application

Please use our recruitment platform for your application. We also accept applications via email to Dr. Jon Haitz Legarreta Gorroño (legarreta@mpib-berlin.mpg.de). The application should entail 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. In your cover letter please indicate which participant populations (fetuses, infants, children and/or adults) you are most interested in working with.

Please submit your application without a photo. Applications must be submitted by September 11, 2026 to ensure consideration. However, review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. If you have any questions about the positions advertised, please contact Dr. Jon Haitz Legarreta Gorroño (legarreta@mpib-berlin.mpg.de). The data protection declaration for the processing of personal data within the scope of your application can be found here.