Postdoctoral research associate in infant sleep research (m, f, x) for 2 years; 39.83 hours per week

In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date or by 1 November 2026, we are looking for 1

Postdoctoral research associate in infant sleep research (m, f, x) for 2 years; 39.83 hours per week; TVL E13

The developmental psychology lab is seeking a postdoctoral research associate to conduct research on infant sleep in the transdisciplinary project NAP – The infant sleep hub. The goals of NAP are to gain a deeper understanding on infant sleep by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and inclusion of stakeholders from the public, and to translate scientific findings for use in everyday life and practice. NAP is funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. We are looking for a highly motivated infant sleep researcher (m,f,x) with an interest in developmental psychopathology/clinical psychology. The ideal candidate (m,f,x) has some experience with interdisciplinary work, an interest in science communication, and at least basic knowledge of the German language or the motivation to learn.

Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 2 years
Start: at the earliest possible date or by 1 November 2026
Apply by: 2026-07-28

Your tasks:

• Design, conduct, analyse, and write up studies on infant sleep for publication, with a focus on research questions in the area of developmental psychopathology/clinical psychology.
• Train and supervise other lab members, research assistants, undergraduate and postgraduate students in the use and analyses of sleep measures.
• Engage with national and international collaboration partners during the entire research process.
• Present at internal and external symposia and scientific conferences.
• Regularly contribute to outreach and science communication.

Your profile:

• You are an enthusiastic sleep researcher with a keen interest in the role of sleep for development and well-being in the first years of life.
• You are experienced in conducting, analysing, and writing up sleep studies with infants, as evidenced by relevant peer-reviewed publications.
• You have a PhD in psychology or a related discipline (by the end of October 2026 at the latest) and can take up the position on 1 November 2026 or earlier.
• You speak and write English fluently, German language skills are a plus.
• You are a highly motivated team player who enjoys engaging with researchers from different backgrounds and disciplines.
• You are interested in science communication and in engagement with members of the public.
• This position requires on-site presence. You are prepared and able to conduct data collection around the participating families’ schedules.
• You are capable of and motivated to train fellow lab members, research assistants, and students in the use of different sleep assessments and their analyses.

https://jobs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/jobposting/6f4f2ffbf48c08a0460d61da607d9da0b9da1ac50?ref=AfA