As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterise its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.
In the area of Social and Cognitive Psychology, on the topic of “Perception-Action Coupling” under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Oliver Genschow the University is currently looking for a
Research Assistant (m/f/d) PhD student
(salary group EG 13 TV-L, 75 %, for a limited period of 3 years)
The position will be affiliated with the School of Management and Technology and will ideally start on April 1, 2026 (exact starting date can be negotiated).
The research group of Prof. Dr. Oliver Genschow focuses on investigating perception-action coupling. That is, the involved researchers investigate how individuals perceive others and how basic perception processes shape social behaviours. Topics of investigation include (among others) person perception, perceptions of groups, anticipative processes, automatic imitation, mimicry, and free will beliefs. Candidates are expected to develop their own research profile that fits to this research area. The research group applies a variety of different methods, such as questionnaires, reaction-time based measures (e.g., imitation-inhibition task), behavioural observations of social interactions, and neurophysiological measures (e.g., EEG, heart rate, skin conductance, etc.) to study perception-action coupling.
Your tasks:
- Programming and conducting online and laboratory experiments on perception-action coupling
- Analysis of data in R and SPSS
- Coding and evaluation of video recordings to measure non-verbal behaviour in real-live interactions
- Writing scientific articles on the topic of imitative behaviour
- Own scientific further qualification
- Presentation of scientific results at (inter)national conferences
- Teaching amounting to 3 SWS
Your profile
- Completed (or shortly before completion) academic degree (Masters or equivalent) in psychology or related subjects
- Experience in social-cognitive research is an advantage
- Commitment to open science
- Able to program (online) reaction time-based experiments (e.g., in javascript; EPrime, Inquisit, etc.) or are willing to learn to do so
- You are able to analyse data in R and SPSS and are willing to expand your initial experience.
- You are characterized by high commitment, the willingness to learn independently, very good analytical-critical skills and a high ability to work in a team.
- Good written and spoken English skills
- First contact with EEG (or other neurophysiological measures) is an advantage; the willingness to learn how to use those measures is a prerequisite.
- Interest in science communication is a benefit.
Our offer:
- an inspiring working environment as part of the university community of researchers, teachers, students and staff in technology and administration,
- a workplace at one of the most beautiful university locations in Germany in a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building by Daniel Libeskind and the directly adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
- a high level of job security as part of the public service,
- an additional company pension scheme through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL),
- flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flexitime framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
- flexible and family-friendly opportunities to alternate between presence work and mobile work,
- an extensive internal and external continuing education programme,
- a wide range of sporting activities sponsored by the university, which employees can take part in for one hour per week during working hours to promote their health,
- a university-sponsored catering service for lunch and dinner in the refectory,
- a Germany ticket sponsored by the university as a job ticket
Your application:
For questions regarding the content of the position, please contact Oliver Genschow (oliver.genschow@leuphana.de).
Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes professional gender equality and heterogeneity among its members. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications.
We look forward to receiving your application. The following application documents should be submitted in English:
- Letter of motivation
- CV (without picture)
- University certificates and/or transcript of records (in copy)
- Example of your writing (e.g., Bachelor thesis, Master thesis, term paper, etc.)
Please submit all required documents (without photo) via our application portal by 31.12.2025, using the reference code “WiMi PerceptAct” We look forward to receiving your application!
