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Details of the postdoctoral positions
Application Round
September 2025
Project title
Cognitive maps in the human brain: towards a mechanistic understanding of learning, memory and the formation of structural representations
City
Leipzig
Specific field of research
Human Cognitive Sciences
Max Planck Institute
Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Broad field of research
Human Sciences Section
Short description of the group/project/topic of research
 
Christian Doeller Group:

We are offering a fully funded 3-year postdoctoral position (with the possibility of extension) in the research group of Prof. Christian Doeller. The DoellerLab provides an international, interdisciplinary, and intellectually vibrant environment. As a member of our team, you will have access to a wide range of unique resources and development opportunities, including:

Research Infrastructure:

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including: 

  • Four 3T MR scanners (incl. Siemens Connectom), and one 7T MR scanner
  • MEG, EEG, VR labs, psychophysics & eye-tracking facilities
  • Access to neurological patients via the Day Clinic for Cognitive Neurology at Leipzig University Hospital as part of collaborative projects

Academic & Leadership Development – DoellerLab:

  • Personalized Mentoring Scheme
  • Career Development Support
  • Structured Onboarding & Offboarding for Scientific and Career Planning
  • Opportunity to co-supervise PhD students and contribute to training the next generation of scientists
  • Shape new research directions and engage in collaborative science across disciplines
  • Connect with leading scientific networks—both within the Max Planck Society and internationally
Topic of Research:

Within a general framework of cognitive spaces, our lab tests the overarching hypothesis that the spatial coding principles of the hippocampal-entorhinal system provide the neurobiological basis for abstract, domain-general low-dimensional representations of cognitive variables. Under this umbrella, we explore:

  • Spatial navigation, temporal, episodic, and working memory
  • Learning, decision making, and knowledge acquisition
  • Translational research on population coding in the hippocampal-entorhinal system and Alzheimer’s disease

Key research methods: fMRI (including high-field MRI at 7T), MEG, virtual reality (VR), a wide variety of cognitive tasks, psychophysics, machine learning, deep neural networks, and computational modelling. 

Within the Department, we maintain strong synergies with the Neural Computation Group (PI: Andrej Bicanski), which develops mechanistic computational models of brain function and behavior. We also have long-term collaborations with the Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience in Trondheim, Norway.

Additional information
 
Career Support – Max Planck Postdoc Program:

As part of the Max Planck Society’s Postdoc Program, you will benefit from the program including:

  • Targeted mentoring (including external academic or industry mentors)
  • Career development workshops
  • Coaching and training through the Planck Academy
Compensation & Inclusion:
  • Salary is based on the regulations of the Max Planck Society and is commensurate with experience
  • The Max Planck Society strives for gender equity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds
  • We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and encourage applications from such individuals
Life in Leipzig:

Leipzig is a vibrant city that has been called “Germany’s new cultural hot spot” by The Guardian and is listed as one of the places to go by The New York Times. It has a rich tradition in classical music, academic education, and—more recently—the modern arts. Leipzig is home to three Max Planck Institutes.

Link to PI’s webpage
https://www.cbs.mpg.de/departments/psychology
Requirements
Requirements

Applicants have to upload their 

  • CV (including a publication list)
  • a summary of previous research
  • and a statement of interest
Additional requirements for the application

We are looking for outstanding early-career scientists who bring fresh ideas, deep curiosity, and a collaborative mindset.

You should have:

  • A PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biology, computer science, physics, or a related field
  • Solid expertise in cognitive neuroscience methods
  • Strong programming skills
  • A consistently excellent academic track record
  • The drive to work independently and collaboratively on high-impact science

We value scientific ambition, creativity, openness, and strong communication skills.

Principal Investigator
Christian Doeller - Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Email: doeller@cbs.mpg.de
Contact person
Anja Hanisch
doeller-office@cbs.mpg.de
+49 341 9940124