PhD Position / Doctoral Researcher in Human Origins (University of Tübingen )

PhD Position/ Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%) Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS Application deadline : 15.09.2026 Within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS, a position for a PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%, temporary for 3 years) is to be filled at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen at the earliest possible date. This interdisciplinary research project investigates the cognitive demands of Stone Age manufacturing techniques and combines approaches from archaeology, psychology, and cognitive science. The goal of the project is to experimentally investigate the evolutionary significance of transformative Stone Age techniques—such as the heat treatment of lithic raw materials, the production of adhesives, or the intentional modification of pigments. For this purpose, study participants will be provided with various information and instructions to perform these techniques. On this basis, the probability of success of these manufacturing techniques, their perceived level of difficulty, and the associated cognitive demands will be examined. Requirements Completed University Degree: Master’s or equivalent degree. Applications from the fields of archaeology, psychology, and cognitive sciences are explicitly welcome. Motivation: Strong motivation to gain fundamental new insights into Stone Age manufacturing techniques. Teamwork: Enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team. Experimental Fieldwork: Willingness to participate in multi-week experimental studies with human participants, which take place partly outdoors and include, among other things, conducting and guiding experiments involving fire. Equal Opportunity & Diversity Disabled applicants will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications. The University of Tübingen is committed to the goals of equality and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunity. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages appropriately qualified early-career female scientists to apply. Application Process Applications, including a CV and letter of motivation, must be submitted by September 15, 2026, to: Prof. Patrick Schmidt University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences Wilhelmstrasse 56, 72074 Tübingen, Germany Prof. Barbara Kaup University of Tübingen, Institute of Psychology Schleichstraße 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany Applications in a single PDF document sent via email are preferred: patrick.schmidtspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de \| barbara.kaupspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Psychoneuroxy

PhD Position/ Doctoral Researcher (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%)

Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS

Application deadline : 15.09.2026

Within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS, a position for a

PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher
(m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%, temporary for 3 years)

is to be filled at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen at the earliest possible date.

This interdisciplinary research project investigates the cognitive demands of Stone Age manufacturing techniques and combines approaches from archaeology, psychology, and cognitive science.

The goal of the project is to experimentally investigate the evolutionary significance of transformative Stone Age techniques—such as the heat treatment of lithic raw materials, the production of adhesives, or the intentional modification of pigments. For this purpose, study participants will be provided with various information and instructions to perform these techniques. On this basis, the probability of success of these manufacturing techniques, their perceived level of difficulty, and the associated cognitive demands will be examined.

Requirements

Completed University Degree: Master’s or equivalent degree. Applications from the fields of archaeology, psychology, and cognitive sciences are explicitly welcome.
Motivation: Strong motivation to gain fundamental new insights into Stone Age manufacturing techniques.
Teamwork: Enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team.
Experimental Fieldwork: Willingness to participate in multi-week experimental studies with human participants, which take place partly outdoors and include, among other things, conducting and guiding experiments involving fire.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Disabled applicants will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications. The University of Tübingen is committed to the goals of equality and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunity. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages appropriately qualified early-career female scientists to apply.

Application Process

Applications, including a CV and letter of motivation, must be submitted by September 15, 2026, to:

Prof. Patrick Schmidt
University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences
Wilhelmstrasse 56, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
Prof. Barbara Kaup
University of Tübingen, Institute of Psychology
Schleichstraße 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

Applications in a single PDF document sent via email are preferred:
patrick.schmidtspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de | barbara.kaupspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Psychoneuroxy

Apply

All Jobs