postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) "Loneliness across time and space (LOTIS)"

We are looking for 1 postdoctoral researcher (m/f/x) for the project "Loneliness across time and space (LOTIS)". This is a fixed-term, full-time position (39.83 hours/week = 100%) starting 01.09.2025 or later. The position is at the Psychological Methods lab at the Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum. Our lab conducts research on loneliness, well-being, and personality across the lifespan. Find out more about our research at http://www.pml.psy.rub.de.

About the Project: Loneliness across time and space (LOTIS)

The position is part of the ERC project "Loneliness across time and space (LOTIS)", funded by the European Union. LOTIS is a five-year project (ERC Consolidator Grant) aimed at advancing our understanding of the links between loneliness and places. More information about the project can be found at https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169640. The successful candidate will conceptualize and implement the project's central longitudinal study. This three-year study will combine experience sampling and mobile sensing in four repeated waves and will be conducted in Bochum, Germany. You will be part of an international project team, including at least two other doctoral researchers and the supervisor/principal investigator Prof. Luhmann. Opportunities for further research collaborations within the Psychological Methods team are available. Please note: This position is not suitable for a remote-only arrangement.

Position Overview

• Type: Postdoctoral Researcher
• Project: Loneliness across time and space (LOTIS)
• Location: Bochum, Germany
• Scope: Full-time (39.83 hours/week)
• Duration: Fixed-term, 4 years (48 months)
• Start Date: 01.09.2025 or later
• Application Deadline: 2025-06-03

Your Responsibilities

• Conceptualization, implementation, and analysis of a three-year longitudinal study using experience sampling and mobile sensing methodologies.
• Recruitment of a representative sample of participants in Bochum, Germany, in cooperation with city administrators.
• Data management and analysis, with a particular focus on complex unstructured GPS data and advanced statistical methods (especially machine learning).
• Implementation of Open Science principles throughout all project phases (e.g., pre-registration of studies, transparent research data management).
• Publication of English-language articles on project results.
• Science communication related to the project (e.g., public talks, media interviews).

Your Profile

• Doctoral degree in psychology.
• International research experience (e.g., peer-reviewed publications in international journals, international research stays).
• Enthusiasm for the project's topic (topic-specific expertise is an advantage but not a requirement).
• Excellent data analytic skills, including machine learning methods, management and analysis of GPS data or other mobile sensing data, and large-language models.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical software packages R and Python and their extensions.
• Strong and consistent open science record.
• Advantageous: Further international research experience, experience in science communication, and experience with industrial or administrative collaborations.
• Excellent command of written and spoken German and English.
• Advantageous: Local knowledge of Bochum and its geography, due to the study's focus.
• Reliability, ability to work effectively in an international team, and high commitment.

How to Apply

For more information and to submit your application, please visit the following link: https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/42d1128a5878dab28291773aa3c74147a41987aa0?ref=AfA