(E13 TVöD Bund, 100%)
Stellenangebot vom 24. Juni 2026
The lab, led by Marcel Binz, is recruiting a Postdoctoral Researcher (E13 TVöD Bund, 100%). The expected start date is October 1st, 2026, but later starting dates are possible by agreement. The position is funded for up to six years but shorter arrangements are possible.
About the group
We work towards a unified theory of human cognition, taking the form of computational models that can simulate, predict, and explain human behavior across a wide range of situations. The group is part of the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen, a vibrant student town at the foot of the Swabian alps and one of Europe's leading hubs for cognitive science and machine learning research. More information on our lab webpage.
About the position
You will lead research in one or more of the lab's directions:
- Foundation models of human cognition
- Modeling human behavior in naturalistic environments (e.g. conversations, games, coding)
- Automated scientific discovery for the cognitive sciences
- AI alignment
What we are looking for
- PhD (or near completion) in cognitive science, computer science, machine learning, or a related field.
- Intellectual curiosity, initiative, and the ability to communicate clearly.
- Strong programming skills (Python, PyTorch, Claude Code, or similar tools).
- A solid research track record, including publications, in machine learning, cognitive science, or a related area.
- Familiarity with large language models or modern deep learning workflows.
- Willingness to work on-site in Tübingen.
What we offer
- The opportunity to work on frontier research at the intersection of machine learning and cognitive science.
- An international research environment with collaborators at DeepMind, Princeton, Harvard, and beyond.
- Proven track record of high-impact publications in venues such as Nature, PNAS, NeurIPS, ICLR, and ICML.
- Large-scale compute through the Max Planck ecosystem.
- Freedom to supervise students and build your own research program.
- Room to shape a young, ambitious, and growing research group.
How to apply
Please email the following as a single PDF to [email protected], with "Postdoc-CORE-2026" in the subject line:
- Cover letter describing your background and research interests (one page)
- Curriculum vitae (without a photo)
- Academic transcripts and certificates
Applications will be considered until July 10th, 2026, or until the position is filled. The Max Planck Society is committed to employing diverse individuals and strives for gender equity and diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and explicitly encourage members of underrepresented groups to apply.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to [email protected].
