Postdoctoral Research Position | Center for Environmental Neuroscience

Job offer valid until March 26, 2026

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 Environmental Neuroscience” at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development is seeking applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position (EG 13 TVöD; 39 hours/week)

The position is initially filled for two years (with an option for extension of one year).

The position is available from May 1st, 2026.

Job Description

The Center for Environmental Neuroscience (Director: Prof. Dr. Simone Kühn) investigates how the physical environment affects the individual. We conduct research focusing on the question of whether and how the external environment (e.g. natural landscapes vs. urban areas) impacts brain plasticity as well as behavior using methods of functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, image analysis of photographs, and virtual reality. By providing a better understanding and quantification of the relationship between the environment and the individual, we hope to influence the design of physical environments in ways that will optimize well-being and cognitive functioning as well as human mental and physical health.

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to work at the intersection of environmental psychology, architectural design, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. The successful candidate will contribute to projects that use generative image models, virtual reality and wavefield synthesis technology to create immersive environments and to investigate how features of the physical environment influence cognitive and behavioral responses. This position offers the opportunity to advance novel methods for understanding and designing built and natural environments informed by cognitive and affective mechanisms.

Your Profile

The successful applicant needs to have a doctoral degree in psychology, cognitive science, computer science or related fields. Applicants should have a strong background in VRbased experiments, computer vision, and image analysis, as well as solid programming skills in relevant frameworks and languages (e.g., Unity, Python, R). Experience with data collection in on-site and online experiments is required, and experience with wavefield synthesis technology is a plus. The ability to work independently, as well as proficiency in the English language, is required.

Our Offer

The Max Planck Institute for Human Development offers an excellent 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/diversity

Your application

We look forward to receiving your application, including a cover letter, resume, degree certificates, and references. Please send us your documents without a photo and combined into a single PDF file via our application portal. We also accept applications by email schmalen@mpib-berlin.mpg.de or by post (Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Katharina Schmalen, Lentzeallee 94, 14195 Berlin). Applications will be considered until 26.03.2026. If you have any questions about the position, please contact schmalen@mpib-berlin.mpg.de.

Please include the following documents in a single PDF file with your application: cover letter, CV (without photo), relevant work references, and other potentially relevant documents.