Doctoral Researcher / Väitöskirjatutkija (PSYMORY – Understanding the Effects of Psychedelics on Autobiographical Memory) Tampere University in Finland

Tampere University is inviting applications for a fixed-term Doctoral Researcher / Väitöskirjatutkija position in the Doctoral Programme in Psychology and Logopedics within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The role is part of the research project PSYMORY – Understanding the Effects of Psychedelics on Autobiographical Memory, led by Samuli Kangaslampi and funded by the Research Council of Finland.

The project examines how psychedelics affect memory, with a particular focus on whether they enhance or distort recall of past life events. The work combines controlled human trials in collaboration with Maastricht University, laboratory research in Tampere with individuals using psychedelics in different real-world contexts, and survey-based studies using existing reports of memory experiences under psychedelics. The results will contribute to a broader model of psychedelic effects on autobiographical memory and to guidance relevant for therapeutic use and harm reduction.

The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator and international collaborators, including researchers at the Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology at Maastricht University and the Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research at Johns Hopkins University. Main duties include doctoral research, project planning, research design, data collection, data handling and analysis, preparing and publishing scientific articles, and contributing to meetings and project development. Teaching and administrative tasks may take up to 5% of working time.

This is a 4-year doctoral position starting in September 2026 (or as agreed). Most of the work will take place physically in Tampere, Finland, and the appointee is expected to reside in Finland during employment. The working language of the project is English, and some travel is expected. International staff are supported in relocation.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as psychology, psychopharmacology, or neuroscience. The candidate must apply for admission to Tampere University’s doctoral programme during Autumn 2026. Strong research competence, excellent analytical and methodological skills, and fluent English are required. Experience in experimental cognitive neuroscience or cognitive psychology, psychedelics or other psychoactive drugs, virtual reality, psychometrics, survey design, complex or sensitive study designs, data management, quantitative and qualitative methods, and R programming are valuable assets.

The position offers a salary based on the University Salary System at levels 2–4, with a typical starting salary of about EUR 2,700 per month plus a supplementary part depending on qualifications and experience. The application deadline is 2026-08-03 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki). Applications must be submitted in English through Tampere University’s electronic recruitment system and should include a brief CV, a motivation letter, and a preliminary research proposal.