EXTENDED 2nd Call for Applications:
3 PhD positions in Philosophy and Psychology in 3rd Cohort of our RTG ‘Situated Cognition’ (June 2023–May 2026)

This call for application is closed now.

Call for Applications

The interdisciplinary Research Training Group Situated Cognition, funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), invites applications for

3 PhD position (salary scale TV-L E13, 65%)

for a three-year structured PhD program. The official legally binding call for applications is available at www.situated-cognition.com

The position will commence June 1st, 2023 (or as soon as possible after that date). The RTG is based at the Department of Philosophy II and the Faculty of Psychology at Ruhr-University Bochum as well as at the Institute of Cognitive Science, the Institute of Psychology and the Department of Philosophy at Osnabrück University.

Speakers: 

  • Prof. Dr. Albert Newen (Ruhr-Universität Bochum)
  • Prof. Dr. Achim Stephan (Universität Osnabrück)
  • Prof. Dr. Nikola Kompa (Universität Osnabrück)

All PhD positions are essentially interdisciplinary with an emphasis on one of the subjects involved; this position has an emphasis on clinical psychology.

General Preconditions

The applicants are expected to have an excellent M.Sc. (or equivalent) in Cognitive Science, Psychology, Neuroscience or in an equivalent field. The candidate has to prove that she/he is able to work out one of two projects mentioned above and described on our website.

Overview of projects

3-PERC: Rational Perceptual Contents in Perception-Action Coupling
Project Leader: Peter Brössel

4-PERC: Embodied Olfactory Experiences: Olfaction under Metabolism
Project Leader: Ursula Stockhorst

Project 9-SESC: Separation Anxiety Symptoms and their Social Situatedness: The Role of Cross Cultural Norms and Differences
Project Leaders: Babett Voigt & Silvia Schneider

In addition, we invite applicants to submit their own original theoretical project proposal, as long as the proposal fits the RTG’s guiding idea. Information about the guiding ideas of the RTG and the PhD projects can be found at www.situated-cognition.de.

Preconditions

Theoretical projects:

Those applying for the theoretical project are expected to have an excellent M.A., M.Sc. (or Staatsexamen degree) in Philosophy or Cognitive Science. They should have expertise in at least one of the following areas: Philosophy of Mind, Philosophy of Self-Consciousness or Social Understanding, Philosophy of Language, Philosophy of Action, Philosophie of Artificial Intelligence or Perception. Furthermore, we expect advanced knowledge in at least one of the following areas: Cognitive Psychology, Behavioural Biology or Neuroscience.

Empirical projects:

Those applying for an empirical project are expected to have an excellent M.Sc. (or equivalent) in Cognitive Science, Psychology, Neuroscience or in an equivalent field. The candidate has to prove that she/he is able to work out one of three projects mentioned above and described on our website.

Application Procedure

Applications should contain the following documents:

  • The application form (please download from our website and fill out)
  • A letter of motivation including the applicant’s research interests and motivation to work within the RTG.
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Copies of degree certificates
  • A writing sample (in German or English): the core chapter of the Diploma/Master’s thesis or preferably one relevant publication (if available)
  • Optional: an outline of an original theoretical project which fits into the RTG’s framework (see the RTG-website and the websites of the PIs)

Please send all the required documents in two PDF files: 

  • One PDF file containing all the application documents, starting with the application form
  • One PDF file with your writing sample

We stand for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favor a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. We expressly request job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.

Applications and and inquiries should be addressed to:
Prof. Dr. Albert Newen, Speaker of the RTG
Ruhr University of Bochum
E-Mail: RTG-SituatedCognition{at)rub.de

Important Links

Download PDFs

Download Application Form PDF
Download Application FAQ PDF
Download old CFA Poster PDF

EXTENDED APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 7th, 2023. All interviews will be held in English shortly after.