Position for a Postdoc (100% E13 TV-L) @Uni Münster in project on olfactory perception and learning

41,200 students and 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

The Institute of Psychology in the Faculty of Psychology & Sports Science at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in )
(salary level E 13 TV-L )

for the externally funded project “Habituation of Olfactory Function” at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position for 3 years (corresponding to the project’s duration).

This industry-funded project investigates the mechanisms of olfactory habituation – the reduced response to familiar odors. While habituation is a fundamental process across sensory modalities, its study in humans has been limited and often confounded with adaptation. We will develop new behavioral paradigms to reliably induce olfactory habituation in humans, and establish novel psychophysiological methods, including respiration-based measures and EEG analyses to objectively quantify habituation. These advances will provide powerful tools for understanding the neural basis of olfactory habituation and open new avenues for applications in sensory neuroscience and consumer product research.

The extensive research profile as well as the atmosphere and quality of life in the city make the University of Münster an attractive research location. There is an active interdisciplinary network of labs from cognitive science and the neurosciences, in particular the Otto Creutzfeld Centre ().

Your tasks:

• Conducting research in the externally funded project “Habituation of Olfactory Function”.
• Designing, implementing, and analyzing behavioural, psychophysiological, and EEG experiments on olfactory habituation.
• Publishing results in international journals and presenting at conferences.
• Collaborating closely with our industry partner and contributing to joint research activities.
• Supervising and mentoring student assistants and theses.

Our expectations:

Required are:

• Doctoral degree (PhD) in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, or a related discipline, or a doctoral thesis submitted for evaluation by the time of application.
• Solid programming skills (e.g. Matlab, Python, or R) for experimental control and data analysis.
• Experience with EEG data collection and analysis, as well as experience in recording and analyzing physiological signals (in particular respiration).
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken.

Of advantage are:

• Expertise in olfaction research.
• Familiarity with technical lab work , such as setting up and maintaining experimental equipment, handling sensors, airflow systems, or EEG hardware.
• Practical skills and confidence in working with technical tools (e.g. cables, connectors, or other small lab repairs).
• A record of scientific publications appropriate to career stage.
• Ability to work independently while enjoying collaborative teamwork.

Advantages for you:

• Participation in an innovative, interdisciplinary project that combines EEG, olfaction research, and industry research and development.
• Collegial and supportive working environment.
• Integration into Münster’s active cognitive neuroscience network, including the Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Prof. Niko Busch at [email protected]

In addition to a cover letter, applications should include a brief description of your research interests (max. 1 page), an academic CV, certificates and contact details of two potential references. Please send your application as a PDF to

Universität Münster
Arbeitseinheit Allgemeine Psychologie
Institut für Psychologie
Prof. Niko Busch

[email protected]