Doctoral Researcher/PhD

The position is part of the scientific collaboration between the University of Marburg and the Human Pharma Research Department of Boehringer Ingelheim (www.boehringer-ingelheim.com), is offered for a period of 3 years and will be co-supervised by Dr. Kathrin Eschmann (Data and Digital Sciences) and Dr. Heike Schauerte (Safety Pharmacology). The starting date is as soon as possible. Salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13, 65%). Given the nature of this research collaboration, the primary location for the project will be Boehringer Ingelheim’s largest Research and Development Site located in Biberach an der Riß in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, and the secondary location will be the University of Marburg in Marburg, Hesse, Germany.

The project focuses on the statistical analysis of complex rodent behaviors classified by an in-house and already set-up machine-learning software to improve drug safety as a decisive success factor in pharmaceutical Research and Development.

Tasks:

• Scientific services in research
• Developing statistical and time-frequency analyses of time-dependent multi-dimensional behavioral data derived from annotated videos of pharmacological studies in rodents
• Establishing and quantifying measurements of complex internal states via behavioral fingerprinting
• Expansion and deepening of the research field also within national and international scientific collaborations (e.g., KU Leuven, Belgium) as well as relevant peer-reviewed publication activities
• Regular in-person collaboration for key responsibilities

The position is limited to a time period deemed adequate for the completion of a doctoral degree. As part of the assigned duties, there will be ample opportunity to conduct the independent scientific research necessary for the completion of a doctorate. The limitation complies to Section 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).

Profile:

• MSc degree or equivalent in psychology, data science, biostatistics, neuroscience, biology, pharmacology or comparable
• Very good knowledge of statistics and statistical programming (e.g., R, SPSS) as well as advanced knowledge of programming languages (R, Matlab, and/or Python), ideally with a focus on time series analysis
• Initial research experience and interest in rodent behavior are advantageous
• High level of teamwork and organizational skills, willingness to take responsibility, and self-motivation
• Very good knowledge of spoken and written English

Disposition to own scientific qualification is expected. We actively support the professional development of junior researchers by the offers of Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the Higher Education Didactics Office.

We offer:

• A unique opportunity to work at the intersection of academic and industrial research in a highly interdisciplinary environment
• Close mentorship and supervision from both academic and industry partners, including access to their infrastructure and resources as well as a broad insight into cutting-edge research in drug discovery, neuroscience, and advances in artificial intelligence
• Integration into a vibrant scientific community with opportunities for networking and collaboration
• Support for professional development through internal and external workshops, conference attendance, and research visits to collaborators (e.g. machine-learning software development partners)
• Competitive salary and benefits in accordance with the TV-H E 13 public service pay scale

We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. Applicants with a disability as discribed in SGB IX (§ 2 Abs. 2, 3) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.

Please apply by 12 April 2026 using the application button below.