Max-Planck-Institut für Bildungsforschung
CAAN
The Center for Affective and Automatic Neuroscience (CAAN) investigates how the affective and autonomic changes of adulthood shape cognition, emotion, and the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease — and how safe, scalable physiological interventions can influence these trajectories. The program integrates four strands:
- Emotion–cognition interactions in aging: mapping the brain mechanisms that allow older adults to maintain emotional well-being despite the physiological changes of aging.
- Brainstem imaging methods: developing next-generation 7T multimodal measures of locus coeruleus structure and function.
- Autonomic trajectories from age 20–60: the first longitudinal study to track parasympathetic decline and sympathetic shifts across this age range alongside Alzheimer’s biomarkers and locus coeruleus functional and structural measures, testing whether midlife autonomic changes trigger the earliest pathology of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Causal tests of how autonomic activity can influence brain health and Alzheimer’s risk using breathing interventions: randomized trials using slow-paced and 4-7-8 breathing to influence autonomic balance and measure downstream effects on AD biomarkers, cerebrovascular reactivity, emotion, and cognition.
Student Employee (f/m/d) (36 – 86,96 Hrs. / Month)
Tasks
The Center for Affective and Autonomic Neuroscience at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development Berlin is looking for a
Student Employee (f/m/d)
(36 – 86,96 Hrs. / Month)
to support the programming, piloting, and implementation of an experiment investigating the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation on pupil size in young and older adults. The hired person will be primarily responsible for programming the PsychoPy task for the experiment. They may also be involved in another project in which time series analysis will be conducted.
Requirements
We are searching for:
- A highly motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and reliable student of psychology (all semesters) or a related subject.
- Good to very good scripting skills in Python or other programming languages (e.g., R, MATLAB).
- Experience with PsychoPy programming and/or eye-tracking is a plus.
- Very good English and German (C1: writing & speaking) and interpersonal/communication skills.
- Good Dutch language skills (B2 level in reading and writing) are a plus.
- Interest in cognitive neuroscience.
- Experience with time series analysis is a plus.
What we offer
We offer:
- Work in an international team.
- Flexible working hours; gross 16.50€ or 17.17€/hour depending on qualifications.
- Insight into all stages of the preparation and implementation of studies on neuromodulation and psychophysiology in aging.
How to apply
Applicants must be enrolled at a German university and be full-time students.
The entry date is October 1, 2026.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion enrich our society and foster scientific excellence. We are committed to increasing the number of women in areas in which they are underrepresented and employing more people with disabilities. We welcome applications from people who belong to groups that are often underrepresented in the workplace due to, among other factors, age, disability/chronic illness, ethnicity, gender identity, and religion.
You can find out more about our commitment to diversity and the accommodations available to meet your individual needs by visiting our website: www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/diversity
The data protection declaration for the processing of personal data within the scope of your application can be found here:
https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/1589569/en_infos_bewerbung.pdf
Please send your application with a cover letter, CV (without photo, written in English), certificate of enrolment to the university, bachelor's or intermediate examination certificates, high school diploma and job references (if available) by Aug. 15 in one PDF file by email to sekmather@mpib-berlin.mpg.de
Facts
| Category | Student assistant, Working student |
|---|---|
| Location | Germany, Berlin, Dahlem |
| Area of responsibility | Academia and research, Social sciences and health, Psychology, Research, Research (academic) |
| Start date (earliest) | 01.10.2026 |
| Full/Part-time | 36 – 86,96 Hrs. / Month |
| Remuneration | gross 16.50€ or 17.17€/hour depending on qualifications. |
| Working language and expected level |
|
Requirements
| Field of study | Natural sciences and mathematics, Psychology |
|---|---|
| Language skills |
|
Contact
| Contact person | Sandra Schmidt |
|---|---|
| Contact email | sekmather@mpib-berlin.mpg.de |
Apply
| By email | sekmather@mpib-berlin.mpg.de |
|---|