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 RUB’s declared aim. The Department of Social Neuroscience at the Faculty of Medicine is part of the Research Center One Health Ruhr of the University Alliance Ruhr and investigates the neurobiological mechanisms of social processes in humans.
We are looking for a PhD candidate (payment according to E13 TV-L – 75 %) at the earliest possible date for 3 years. Ruhr University Bochum provides an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment and excellent opportunities for scientific collaboration. The laboratory combines neuroimaging methods, including fNIRS, mobile EEG, and fMRI, with brain stimulation techniques such as tDCS, psychophysiological recordings, and hormonal assessments to investigate the neural and biobehavioral mechanisms underlying social relationships. Within the broader research focus of the laboratory, potential projects may examine how synthetic relationships and interactions with AI-based agents influence the social brain, social bonding, emotional processing, and interpersonal behavior.
