The Department of Psychology is a creative and international workplace for research and education. The Department of Psychology conducts successful research in occupational and organisational psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, perception and psychophysics, personality, social and developmental psychology, psychobiology and epidemiology. As a postdoctoral fellow with us, you will have access to modern research infrastructure.
For more information about us, please visit the Department of Psychology.
The postdoctoral position is based in a research group led by Associate Professor Leonie Balter, which studies how sleep and chronobiological processes shape cognition, motivation, and mental health. The group integrates cognitive neuroscience and chronobiology, and uses both theoretical and data‑driven approaches to understand individual differences and temporal processes in brain functioning and behaviour. Our research makes use of experimental paradigms and data collected in individuals’ everyday environment. We use advanced statistical modelling techniques to characterize nonlinear relationships and to identify periods during which individuals are more vulnerable as well as when treatments are most effective. A longer term goal of our research is to generate knowledge within “chronomedicine”, that is a field that uses knowledge of time and biological rhythms to maximise treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.
We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher who is interested in this area and highly motivated to actively contribute to these research lines.
Project description
The postdoctoral position is embedded within a research programme investigating how circadian rhythms influence cognitive functioning and mental health, with relevance to digital behaviours and neuropsychiatric conditions such as ADHD. The overarching aim is to advance the understanding of sleep and chronobiological mechanisms as dynamic and multidimensional processes, and how they interact with brain function, behaviour, and treatment response. A central line of the postdoc’s research will be to examine how endogenous circadian rhythms influence cognitive functioning and symptoms, and how these relationships vary across the day, and between individuals. The position is also linked to research on how digital behaviour relates to cognition and dopamine-related processes.
The ideal candidate enjoys working with large and complex datasets, approaches research and data collection in a careful and responsible manner, and demonstrates curiosity and innovative thinking. A strong interest in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, sleep and circadian processes, and/or temporal processes in behaviour and mental health is expected, along with enthusiasm for project management. The position offers opportunities to take responsibility for research projects, and potential to shape ongoing and upcoming projects within an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
Main responsibilities
The candidate’s activities and responsibilities include:
- Design, plan, and conduct data collections, including coordination of participant recruitment and data acquisition.
- Analyse large and longitudinal datasets using advanced statistical methods.
- Integrate multimodal data (subjective, behavioural, cognitive, biological, neural, and digital measures).
- Lead the writing of manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals.
- Actively participate in project development .
- Present research findings at scientific meetings and seminars.
- Participate in supervision of students.
- Contribute to a collegial and supportive research environment.
Qualification requirements
In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.
Assessment criteria
It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Excellent skills in coordinating and managing research projects.
- Experience with time‑series analysis, longitudinal data analysis, and/or machine learning methods.
- Experience in chronobiology, including protocols such as constant routine or forced desynchrony.
- Willingness to perform night and weekend work in sleep laboratory studies.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
Desirable skills:
- Experience with experience sampling methods, wearable tracking, and/or mobile and digital data collection.
- Experience with neuroimaging such as PET, fMRI, EEG, or eye-tracking.
About the employment
The position involves full-time employment for two years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date: 1 September 2026 or as per agreement.
We offer
With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city. The Department of Psychology is located at campus Albano.
Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Associate Professor Leonie Balter, leonie.balter@su.se.
Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.
The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.
Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.
| Type of employment | Temporary position |
|---|---|
| Contract type | Full time |
| Salary | Individual salary setting |
| Number of positions | 1 |
| Full-time equivalent | 100 % |
| City | Stockholm |
| County | Stockholms län |
| Country | Sweden |
| Reference number | SU FV-1459-26 |
| Union representative | ST/OFR ST/OFR, 08162000, st@st.su.seSaco-S Saco-S, 08162000, saco@saco.su.seSeko Seko, 0770457900, sekodirekt@seko.se |
| Published | 24.Apr.2026 |
| Last application date | 22.May.2026 |