Postdoctoral position in environmental neuroscience -...

The “Center for Environmental Neuroscience” at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development is seeking applications for a

Postdoctoral Research Position

(E 13 TVöD; 39 hours/week)

The position is initially filled until 31.07.2028. The position is available from August 1st , 2026.

Job Description

The Center for Environmental Neuroscience (Director: Prof. Dr. Simone Kühn) investigates how the physical environment affects the individual. We conduct research focusing on the question of whether and how the external environment (e.g. natural landscapes vs. urban areas) impacts brain plasticity as well as behavior using methods of functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, image analysis of photographs, virtual reality, and (on-site) assessments of residents or patients in different places. Furthermore, we are analyzing cohort and patient data related to the environment, and hence would welcome applicants with prior knowledge in analyzing cohort data, including geospatial information. By providing a better understanding and quantification of the relationship between the environment and the individual, we hope to influence the design of physical environments in ways that will optimize well-being and cognitive functioning as well as human mental and physical health.

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work at the intersection of exposomics, mental health, and neuroimaging. The successful candidate will contribute to scientific projects within an established twin registry and to a geographical ecological momentary assessment study involving subclinical high-risk adolescents. The position combines registry-based twin research, geospatial assessment, MRI data collection and analysis, and machine learning methods. It offers the opportunity to investigate how genetic liability and the exposome shape individual differences in mental health risk and in brain structure.

Requirements

A successful applicant should hold a doctoral degree in psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry, epidemiology, or a related field. They must have proven experience in twin research, including the planning and organization of scientific projects within a twin registry, as well as expertise in the continued coordination of registry-based studies.

Applicants should have a strong methodological background in geographical ecological momentary assessment, including data collection, management, and analysis, together with expertise in geospatial information analysis. In addition, they should have solid experience in MRI data collection and analysis, as well as in machine learning methods. Experience with online data collection and digital study implementation is essential, while experience working with (sub)clinical populations would be an advantage. The ability to work independently and a high level of proficiency in English are also expected.

Our offer

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers an excellent 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 MPG Planck Academy

• Flexible working hours

• Option of mobile working (up to 40%, depending on work processes)

• Annual bonus payment in accordance with the TVöD (German public sector pay scale); 30 days of vacation, plus December 24 and 31 off

• Kindergarten partnerships with dedicated places

• Parent-child room at the institute

• Excellent public transport connections (U3 Breitenbachplatz, barrier-free)

• Job ticket

• Institute canteen and biodiverse institute garden

• Various offers related to “health in the workplace” (e.g., fitness room, massage services, yoga)

• Extensive support services, e.g., International Office, representative for employees with disabilities, equal opportunities officer, mental health support

• Inclusive working environment (e.g., various exchange formats, networking, barrier-free and gender-neutral toilets)

Diversity and disability

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity, because diversity, equality, and inclusion enrich our community and promote scientific excellence. We have therefore set ourselves the goal of increasing the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and employing more people with disabilities. With this in mind, we expressly welcome applications from people who are often underrepresented in the workplace due to characteristics such as gender identity, disability, religion, ethnicity, and age. Our website gives you an impression of how we understand and live diversity and what opportunities we offer to respond to your individual needs:

We look forward to receiving your application, including a cover letter, resume, degree certificates, and references.

Please submit your application documents without a photo and combined into one single PDF file.

Your application should include: a cover letter, your CV (without photo), relevant work references, and any other supporting documents.

Please upload everything via our application portal teamtailor.

We also accept applications by email [email protected] or by post (Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Katharina Schmalen, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin). Applications will be considered until 01.06.2026. If you have any questions about the position, please contact [email protected] .

You can find the privacy policy for the processing of personal data in the context of your application here: