Senior Research Scientist in Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or Data Science

The Hospital of the University of Munich, Germany, is one of the largest and most competitive university hospitals in Germany and Europe. 48 specialized hospitals, departments and institutions harbouring excellent research and education provide patient care at the highest medical level with around 12.000 employees.

The Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie on the Campus Innenstadt invites applications for the department Social Neuroscience starting on 1st September 2026, in full time, for a

Senior Research Scientist in Social Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, or Data Science (m/f/d)

Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie

Scope of duties

The Neurodevelopment and Social Interaction (NEVIA) Lab (nevialab) at LMU Munich is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our interdisciplinary team in a highly competitive position for a duration of two years.

The NEVIA Lab is dedicated to advancing the science of social interaction. The team investigates the neural and behavioural dynamics of social interaction, focusing on nonverbal communication, social cue processing, and interpersonal coordination. Using portable neurotechnology, portable eye tracking, motion tracking, and computer vision methods, we study both typical development (with a strong focus on adolescence) and atypical social behaviours in clinical populations to improve the understanding and assessment of social functioning.

Your role:

• Conduct and support interdisciplinary research at the intersection of social cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and portable technology.
• Support data analysis, method development, and clinical collaborations. Specifically, apply and analyse data from portable EEG (potentially fNIRS), portable eye-tracking, physiological wearables, computer vision, or related areas.
• Develop and implement advanced analytical approaches using programming and data science tools (e.g., Python, R).
• Co-supervise and mentor PhD, MD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students.
• Contribute to publications and grant applications to further advance research in the field.
• Develop your own research ideas, with the possibility of starting to build your own team.
• Potential for Habilitation, an advanced qualification in the German academic system that enables independent teaching and can serve as a pathway to professorship.

Our requirements

• PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field. Experience with research in (Social) Cognitive Neuroscience or Experimental Psychology.
• Good quantitative and programming skills (e.g., Python, R).
• Experience with portable technology, digital phenotyping, wearable sensors, and/or computer vision methods.
• Interest in clinical and translational research, and the ability to work closely with clinicians.
• Fluent in English (German language skills are not required, but a willingness to learn basic German is an asset).
• Proactive mindset, independent problem-solving skills, and the ability to acquire new methodological skills as needed.
• Strong communication skills, particularly in mentoring students and working in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment.
• Comfortable with technological challenges and innovation in research methods.

Our offer

• A senior-level position in an excellent research environment (see https://www.mcn.uni-muenchen.de/members/index.html).
• Flexible working arrangements in a dynamic and supportive research environment.
• Opportunities to shape the role and contribute to multiple research projects.
• Plenty of scope for developing your own project ideas, fostering academic independence.
• Several funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers (e.g., seed funding for new projects) offered by the University and the Medical Faculty.
• Potential to pursue a Habilitation, a step towards independent academic leadership.
• In addition, we offer further education and training, a company pension scheme, childcare services, mobile work (if suitable), a job ticket, discounts and staff accommodation (if available).
• Remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Länder (TV-L) including all allowances customary in the public sector.

Disabled persons will be preferentially considered in case of equal qualification. Presentation costs cannot be refunded. To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter outlining your research interests and fit for the position.
• Your CV, including a list of publications.
• Contact details for two referees.

For further information please contact Prof. Dr. Christine Falter-Wagner, phone +49 89 4400 - 52641.

LMU Klinikum – Campus Innenstadt
Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie