Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x) – Computational Modeling of Dopamine Dynamics - Bochum
Dein Job
Faculty of Computer Science:
Institut für Neuroinformatik - Neural Data Science
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
Doctoral Researcher (m/f/x) – Computational Modeling of Dopamine Dynamics
The Institut für Neuroinformatik (INI) is a research unit of the Faculty of Informatics of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, see https://www.ini.rub.de/. It is very interdisciplinary, ranging from machine learning to neurophysiology and psychophysics to computational neuroscience. It offers a very vibrant and collaborative environment for both fundamental and applied research.
Your tasks:
The position is part of a DFG-funded project and embedded in the new research building THINK (Center for Theoretical and Integrative Neuroscience and Cognitive Science). The project develops a biophysical computational model of striatal dopamine signaling, simulating release, diffusion, uptake, and receptor binding to uncover the structure of dopamine “landscapes” in health and disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease). The aim is to bridge this mechanistic modeling with dopamine’s cognitive functions in action selection, behavioral flexibility, and reinforcement learning.
Dein Profil
Your profile:
• Master’s degree in computational neuroscience, computer science, (bio-)physics, or a related field
• Strong programming skills (Python, C/C++)
• Interest in biophysical models of neural systems and data-driven neuroscience
• Team-minded, self-motivated, and fluent in English
We offer:
- Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
- Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
- A qualified on-boarding and induction process
- A 3-year position (75%, TV-L E13) with the opportunity to pursue a PhD in Computer Science
- An interdisciplinary and collaborative environment within the RUB’s thriving Faculty of Computer Science (https://informatik.rub.de/en/)
- Research integration in the Institute for Neural Computation (https://www.ini.rub.de) and the research building THINK (https://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/think/)
- Access to high-performance computing resources, mentoring, and career development support
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at https://oeffentlicher-dienst.info/ (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
If the position is funded by third-party funds the employee has no teaching obligation.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/sbgk/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Prof. Dr. Robert Schmidt Tel.: +49 234 32 27300
Kathleen Schmidt Tel.: +49 234 32 27051
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2025-08-26. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 4871.
Deine Benefits
Stellenmerkmale
Dein Beschäftigungsumfang
Teilzeit (befristet)
Dein Gehalt
Nach Vereinbarung
Dein Arbeitsplatz:
vor Ort
Dein Büro:
Raum Bochum