2026 Research associates at the Ruhr University Bochum

The KlaesLab (Medical Faculty, Department of Neurotechnology) at the Ruhr University Bochum invites applications for a PhD position (65%, TV-L E13) within the research project BrainGuard – Neuro-Cybersecurity for Neural Data and Devices.

Neurotechnologies such as Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) enable direct interaction between the brain and digital systems. At the same time, they raise fundamental questions regarding data privacy, unintended information leakage, and mental autonomy. This PhD project focuses on understanding which sensitive information can be decoded from neural signals and how such risks can be systematically assessed and mitigated.

Your tasks:

• Development and evaluation of machine-learning–based neural decoders (EEG, ECoG, fMRI)
• Identification of sensitive information (e.g. cognitive states, affective markers) unintentionally extractable from neural data
• Simulation and analysis of privacy and security risks related to neural decoding
• Contribution to countermeasures for limiting unintended information extraction
• Experimental design, data analysis, and scientific publication

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineFebruary 23, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorRuhr University Bochum
• School to studyRuhr University Bochum
• Course to studyNeurotechnology
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
• Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
• Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking)
• A comprehensive offer to strengthen health in the workplace
• A stimulating, interdisciplinary research environment
• Close collaboration with experts in cybersecurity, cryptography, and embedded systems
• Excellent conditions for scientific qualification and international visibility

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, or a related field
• Strong interest in neural data analysis, machine learning, and data privacy
• Experience with Python and common ML frameworks is highly desirable
• Motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment

Check also:
2026 Fully Funded Humboldt Research Fellowship
2026 Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Submit your application via the Online Application Portal by 2026-02-23. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5362.

For more information, kindly visit the Ruhr University Bochum Scholarship website.