Doctoral Position in Education Sciences and Psychology University of Tubingen Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences

Doctoral positions (m/f/d; 65%, E 13 TV-L)

Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology

Application deadline : 11.12.2020

 The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology is currently inviting applications for:

Two 3-year doctoral positions (m/f/d; 65 %, E 13 TV-L )

We are seeking excellent doctoral candidates who are motivated to work in an interdisciplinary field of motivation and affective science, especially in connection to education research. We are aiming to establish an unique team of talented researchers from a broad range of perspectives and skills. As such, applicants can come from any of the following fields (or related fields): cognitive science, affective science, social/personality science, educational science, psychometrics/data science, neuroimaging (broadly defined), and ageing (life-long learning). We especially give priority to candidates who have strong experience in advanced statistical analysis (including big data analysis) and/or online experimental programming. 

The position comes with a contract for 3 years. The expected start date is April 2021 but we are highly flexible and committed to accommodating candidates’ individual circumstances. Note that there is possibility that we can make an arrangement to add a training period before the start of the Ph.D. program (see a note below). 

The position is part of the new Alexander von Humboldt Professorship and Jacobs Foundation Advanced Fellowship held by Professor Kou Murayama, who has moved to the University of Tübingen to continue his internationally renowned research at the Hector Research Institute. A Humboldt Professorship is the most highly endowed research prize in Germany and enables world class scientists to carry out long-term and ground-breaking research at universities and research institutions in Germany (https://www.humboldt-professur.de/en). The Hector Research Institute is a nationally and internationally leading research center in education sciences and psychology. Our interdisciplinary team works in a well-equipped building close to the historic old town of Tübingen, Germany. Traditionally, research at the Hector Research Institute investigates determinants of successful teaching and learning processes using large scale assessments, longitudinal studies, and randomized controlled field trials. Our team will collaborate within the institute continuing these traditions and also supplement them with a diverse array of methodological approaches. More information can be found at www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de.

The successful candidate is expected to combine research on motivation with education sciences based on his/her expertise. This could take a variety of forms, and the successful candidate is expected to design and implement studies together with Kou Murayama, Michiko Sakaki, and other researchers at the Hector Research Institute. 

The PhD candidates will benefit from unique opportunities, including:

• Close collaboration, mentoring, and professional development from a supervisory team 
• Work with an inspiring, multidisciplinary, and international team that includes many other talented PhD candidates
• Supportive environment to enable presentations at national and international conferences and publications in highly ranked journals to advance an (international) academic career
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary and international exchange programs (e.g., lab visits)
• Access to the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network (www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de)

Requirements

Graduates (and applicants about to graduate) with a master’s degree in psychology, education sciences, or a related field with excellent grades and a strong interest in research from interdisciplinary perspectives are encouraged to apply. Experience and interest in quantitative research methodologies (using R, Mplus, etc.) and/or experimental programming is desirable. Some proficiency in German language would be beneficial for the position. We also encourage applications from those who do not feel fully qualified: If we find a candidate very promising but not experienced enough, there is possibility that we suggest to offer a training period before starting the Ph.D. program. 

For further inquiries about the position, please reach out to Professor Kou Murayama (k.murayamaspam prevention@reading.ac.uk).

Applications including a cover letter detailing (1) your past project(s) and methodological skills, and (2) what type of project you would like to do and that you think can make an unique contribution to the research on motivation/affective science and education, a CV, degree and other certificates with transcripts should be sent via email in one single pdf-file to verwaltungspam prevention@hib.uni-tuebingen.de. The initial deadline is December 11 but we continue to seek candidates until all of the positions are filled by highly qualified candidates. Disabled candidates will be given preference over other equally qualified applicants. The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women to apply for these positions. Employment will be officially organized by the central university administration.