Support us from the next possible date in full-time as:
Research Group Leader (m/f/d) at the LOEWE Center «Dynamic
This position is part of the third-party funded project «LOEWE Center Dynamic" and is limited until December 31, 2027, at the Faculty of Psychology and Sports Sciences. Subject to the approval of a second funding phase, there is the possibility of extension. Provided the relevant collective agreement requirements are met, the salary will be based on pay grade 14 of the Hessian collective agreement (TV-H). The research activity generally allows for further academic qualification.
At the LOEWE Center DYNAMIC (https://www.uni-giessen.de/de/fbz/fb06/psychologie/forschung/dynamic), researchers from psychology, psychiatry, computer science, and machine learning collaborate with a shared vision: to better understand mental disorders and to develop new treatment options. The focus lies in applying dynamic network models at various levels (neurobiological, psychological, and psychopathological) to mental health conditions. Researchers from Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Goethe University Frankfurt, and Technical University Darmstadt, as well as the Leibniz Institute for Research and Information in Education (DIPF) and the Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience (ESI), are working under the leadership of Philipps University Marburg to jointly develop novel and more precise therapeutic approaches. The participating university hospitals and outpatient psychotherapy clinics at the psychological university departments further support the rapid translation of research findings into clinical practice. At JLU, the research group will closely collaborate with the LOEWE Center Dynamic-affiliated chairs of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience (Prof. Dr. Rudolf Stark), Clinical Psychology (Prof. Dr. Christiane Hermann), Psychotherapy Research (tba), and Clinical Neuropsychology (Prof. Dr. Jutta Billino), as well as the Chair of Psychiatry (Prof. Dr. Christoph Mulert).
The research focus of the newly established junior research group «Network-Based Classification Approaches", which you will lead and which includes one research associate, lies in the conceptualization and advancement of innovative network-based approaches to the classification of mental disorders. Currently, mental illnesses are characterized based on categorical (or dimensional) diagnoses. However, this approach presents challenges such as high comorbidity rates and offers only limited clinical utility (e.g., in predicting treatment outcomes). In collaboration with colleagues from the central project, this DYNAMIC junior research group aims to develop a novel, network-based description of psychopathology and validate it within a large-scale study. This will be based on the dynamic measurement of biological, psychological, and psychopathological variables. A strong interest in integrative research that bridges neuroscience with clinical psychology and psychiatry is essential for this position.
Your Key Responsibilities
Conducting academic services within the LOEWE Center DYNAMIC
Leading pioneering, novel research projects on the foundations and treatment of mental disorders using network-based analytical method
Collaborating within interdisciplinary teams and drawing on expertise from various disciplines to develop an independent research profile
Your Qualifications and Competencies
A completed academic university degree (Diploma, Master-s, or equivalent) and an excellent doctoral degree in psychology, medicine, neuroscience, applied computer science, or a related field with strong training in scientific methodology
International publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals
A strong interest in clinical psychological, psychiatric, and psychotherapeutic research
Solid training in scientific, especially quantitative, methods, along with a willingness to further develop your methodological expertise, particularly in the application of network models
Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration and working within a large research consortium with various support structures
Motivation to acquire additional third-party funding
Fluency in English and excellent communication skills
German language skills are desirable, but not mandatory.
What We Offer
A diverse and engaging role with flexible working hours
Free use of public transportation across Hesse (LandesTicket Hessen)
Access to more than 100 seminars, workshops, and e-learning opportunities per year for personal development, as well as a wide range of health and sports programs
Remuneration according to the collective agreement of the State of Hesse (TV-H), including occupational pension schemes, child allowances, and special payments
A family-friendly work environment with excellent work-life balance (certified as a «Family-Friendly University")
Location and Contacts
Primary location: Giessen (Dean: Prof. Dr. Christiane Hermann) in close collaboration with Marburg (Prof. Dr. Winfried Rief).
If desired, Prof. Dr. Christiane Hermann is available for further inquiries via email: Christiane.Hermann@psychol.uni-giessen.de.
JLU is committed to increasing the proportion of women in academia and therefore strongly encourages qualified female researchers to apply. As part of its gender equality plan, the university is obligated to enhance gender diversity. JLU is also proud to be a family-friendly university - applicants with children are very welcome. Applications from individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in cases of equal qualification.
You want to break new ground with us?
Apply via our online form by April 10th, 2025, indicating reference number 280/06. We look forward to receiving your application.
Would you like to learn more about jobs & careers at JLU? Convince yourself of our benefits at www.uni-giessen.de/karriere.