PhD Position in Digital Health, Eating Behavior, and Machine Learning at University of Salzburg

The Eating Behavior Lab at the University of Salzburg is offering a PhD position as part of the FWF-funded project "iCrav: Intervention when and where you need it." This research opportunity focuses on digital health, eating behavior, and the development of smartphone-based interventions to support real-life eating behavior change. The project aims to use mobile game-like tasks and machine learning to deliver personalized digital interventions, including ecological momentary assessment and cognitive bias modification techniques such as Approach-Avoidance Intervention (AAI). The successful candidate will design, optimize, and conduct studies on eating behavior, supervise Bachelor and Master students, and conduct longitudinal and randomized controlled trials using mobile data collection. The role involves fitting statistical models, such as multilevel regression, and applying machine learning to intensive longitudinal data. Collaboration with researchers in Salzburg and beyond, as well as dissemination of findings through scientific articles and conferences, are key aspects of the position. Applicants should have a master's degree in psychology, cognitive science, public health, or a related field, with a strong interest in digital health and field research using digital devices. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of German is a plus. A good understanding of statistics and proficiency with R (or willingness to learn) is expected. Experience with programming, especially in Java, is advantageous but not mandatory. The position is partly funded for 2–2.5 years (40 hours/week), with support for securing full funding for the entire PhD. The project is led by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Jens Blechert, an expert in eating behavior, and Dr. Matthias Aulbach, who specializes in self-regulation and modification of eating behavior. The research is based in Salzburg, Austria, offering a vibrant academic environment and a high quality of life. To apply, candidates should send a CV and motivation letter to Matthias Aulbach at [email protected] by March 13, 2026. For more information, visit the project and lab websites linked in the announcement.