08.06.2023 Open position for a Doctoral Researcher/PhD

The Department of Psychology, in the Unit for Psychological Methodology (Head: Prof. Dr. Daniel Heck), is seeking to fill a part-time (75% of regular working hours), externally funded position as a Doctoral Researcher/PhD (m/f/d), for a limited period of three years from 01.10.2023, provided that no previous qualification periods are to be taken into account. The position is graded according to pay group 13 of the collective agreement of the State of Hesse.

The project is part of the externally funded Research Training Group entitled "Breaking Expectations - Maintaining vs. Changing Expectations in the Context of Violations of Expectations" (GRK 2271).

Description of the project "Cognitive and Statistical Modeling of Subjective Expectations":
This project focuses on cognitive and statistical modelling of expectations in areas such as judgment and decision making and social cognition. The project aims at developing and testing models of interindividual differences regarding expectations about the truth of factual statements. The model will be tested empirically using existing data and web studies to investigate which people tend to believe true and false statements and why expectations about the validity of statements are not revised in the light of contradictory evidence.
Supervision: Prof. Dr. Daniel Heck (Psychological Methods)

Tasks include scientific services in research, especially research in the field of statistical or cognitive modelling as well as the development and application of new methods in psychology. Further activities include the independent planning, implementation and evaluation of empirical work within the framework of the RTG research programme, collaboration on scientific publications as well as regular and active participation in events of the Research Training Group.
Within the scope of the assigned tasks, the opportunity for independent scientific work is offered, which serves the applicant's own scientific qualification. The fixed term is in accordance with § 2 para. 1 sentence 1 WissZeitVG.

A very good university degree (diploma, master's degree or comparable) in psychology, cognitive science, statistics or similar fields, a strong interest in statistics, modelling and methods as well as their further development and application in psychology are required. Also required are interest in the project (documented in a letter of motivation [max. 1 page], in which reference may be made to previous experience such as thesis, student research or work as a student assistant), good English skills, excellent grades in courses related to psychological methods and statistics as well as programming skills and practical experience with software such as R, Python, Stan or Matlab. Knowledge of cognitive modelling, Bayes statistics or psychometrics and experience with programming and conducting online psychological studies is an advantage, as well as the willingness to learn basic German language skills.

We offer scope for the development of an independent doctoral project, a good supervisory relationship and supportive team, an attractive, well-equipped research environment, excellent national and international networking and a family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Heck at dheck@uni-marburg.de.
Philipps-Universität supports the professional development of junior researchers, e.g. through the offers of the Marburg Research Academy (MARA), the International Office and the positions for university didactics and personnel development.

We promote women and therefore explicitly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, women will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified. People with children are welcome - Philipps-Universität is committed to the goal of being a family-friendly university. A reduction in working hours is possible in principle. People with disabilities within the meaning of SGB IX (§ 2, Para. 2, 3) are given preference in the case of equal suitability. Application and interview costs will not be reimbursed.

Please send your application documents (including curriculum vitae in table form, certificates including examination results, project-specific letter of motivation in English, references if applicable, names and addresses of two academics who would be willing to write a reference) by 18.06.2023 (deadline was extended), quoting the advertisement ID "fb04-0020-wmz-2023", exclusively in one PDF file to grk2271@uni-marburg.de.

Further links with information and formal aspects: