2 PhD Positions

PhD Positions (E 13 TVöD 75%; 39 hours/week)

The Lise Meitner Group Neuroplasticity in Development and Learning at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin invites applications for 2 PhD Positions. The positions are for 3 years and are available from October 1, 2026 on, but later start dates are possible.

About the Institute

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.

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
• publication of the results

There are no formal teaching requirements. Additional responsibilities include:

• participating in academic conferences
• 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
• a strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, brain development, and/or learning

Essential qualifications:

• excellent analytical and programming skills
• the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• proficiency in spoken and written English

Highly desirable:

• experience with programming languages such as Python or MATLAB

Considered an advantage:

• prior experience with MRI data acquisition or analysis
• proficiency in spoken and written German
• experience working with developmental populations

Our Offer

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers:

• an excellent research infrastructure, including support staff and equipment
• an international research environment, with English as the working language
• 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.

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