PhD Position (m/f/d) - Center for Lifespan Psychology

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin is an internationally oriented research institute. We want to understand how and why humans develop differently, which factors play a role in this, and how these factors influence each other. Driven by the conviction that we can shape our living conditions in such a way that all people can realize their personal potential throughout their lives, we study our behavior, our development, and our competencies in relation to our physical, social, and technological environment.

The Center for Lifespan Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (MPIB) in Berlin, Germany, is seeking applications for a

PhD Position (m/f/d)

(E13 TVöD 75%, 39 h/week)

The position is available from August 1, 2026 or later and is limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension.

Job Description

The position is part of the interdisciplinary project WildBrain, which investigates how environmental transitions shape neural plasticity and behavioural individuality across mice and humans. The successful candidate will work on the human side of the project and join a collaborative team spanning the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (Berlin), Technische Universität München (Munich), Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence (Martinsried/Seewiesen), and Technische Universität Dresden, and will work closely with experts in neuroimaging, behavioural neuroscience, and cross-species data integration.

The candidate will be involved in all steps of the research endeavor including the recruitment of participants, data acquisition, data curation, data analysis, and 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 (m/f/d) must hold, or expect to hold by the starting date, a master's degree in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or related disciplines. Applicants need to have hands-on knowledge in conducting experimental research. Strong analytical and programming skills, the ability to work independently, and proficiency in English are essential.

Documented skills in at least one programming language (preferably Matlab, R, or Python) are desirable. Experience with the collection or analysis of MRI data is an advantage. The successful candidate (m/f/d) will be part of a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international institute, embedded in a research environment with outstanding facilities and research infrastructure.

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
• 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 rooms 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 disabled employees, equal opportunities officer, mental health support
• Diversity-sensitive working environment (e.g., exchange formats, networking, barrier-free and gender-neutral toilets)

Diversity and severe 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 severe 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: www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/diversitaet

Your application

Please use our recruitment platform for your application. You may also send your application as a single PDF file to: power@mpib-berlin.mpg.de by July 1, 2026. Please include the following documents in the specified order: cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates, and the names of 2-3 colleagues who are willing to provide letters if asked.

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. Please submit your application without a photo. Applications must be submitted by July 1, 2026 to ensure consideration. However, review of applications will continue until the position is filled. If you have any questions about the position advertised, please contact Dr Sarah Power (power@mpib-berlin.mpg.de). The data protection declaration for the processing of personal data within the scope of your application can be found here: https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/1589569/en_infos_bewerbung.pdf