Postdoctoral Research Fellow on Educational Data Science for 3 years (+ possible 2 year extension) (m/f/d; 100%

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Faculty of Economics
and Social Sciences

Hector Research Institute of Education
Sciences and Psychology

The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology is currently inviting applica-
tions for the following position:

A Postdoctoral Research Fellow on Educational Data Science for 3 years (+ possible 2 year

extension) (m/f/d)
(100%, E 13 TV-L1)

We are seeking a bright and motivated postdoctoral research fellow who has strong background in
data science (more specifically machine learning, learning analytics, and/or psychometrics), with good
experience analyzing social science data (e.g., data from education). We are especially interested in
analyzing a number of publicly-available large datasets on educational attainments.

The position comes with a fixed-term contract for 3 years with the possibility for extension for an
additional 2 years. The expected start date is September 2021 but we are highly flexible and commit-
ted to accommodating candidates’ individual circumstances. There is the possibility to participate in
the institute's own postdoctoral academy PACE (Tübingen Postdoctoral Academy for Research on
Education) which offers further training, coaching, and mentoring at postdoctoral level.

The position is part of the new Alexander von Humboldt Professorship of Educational Psychology
held by Professor Kou Murayama, who has moved to the University of Tübingen to continue his inter-
nationally 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.hum-
boldt-professur.de/en). The Hector Research Institute is a nationally and internationally leading re-
search 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 analyze publicly-available large datasets on educational
attainment using a variety of machine learning techniques, exploring critical predictors of educational
outcomes in a bottom-up, comprehensive manner. The successful candidate is expected to design,
implement, and perform the study in an autonomous manner, with some guidance from the PI. Teach-
ing is not required but we strongly encourage postdocs to teach some (e.g., one course per semester)
as part of our training program for postdocs.

The successful candidate holds an excellent PhD in one of the aforementioned fields or a related
field such as psychology (or will have obtained a doctoral degree by the start date of the position) and
has a visible track record (e.g., publication and third-party funding experience) in the field. Research
experiences in education/psychology research are good bonus. A visible commitment to research
transparency is also a plus. Most importantly, the successful candidate should specifically demon-
strate (1) a solid methodological skill set that allows them to conduct research with independence and
(2) substantive experience with interdisciplinary research project(s), and (3) a strong motivation and

1 According to the general pay scale of German universities, the salary will be “E 13 TV-L”. Depending on your experience this corresponds
to a monthly salary of around EUR 4.560.,-** (100% position E13, experience level 3, gross pay, before tax). After taxes as a single (i.e.
not married or living with a life partner; no children), this monthly salary is at least EUR 2.642 (net salary after taxes and health insurance
payments). Information regarding cost of living in Tübingen: https://tuebingenresearchcampus.com/tuebingen/

https://www.humboldt-professur.de/en
https://www.humboldt-professur.de/en
http://www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de/
https://tuebingenresearchcampus.com/tuebingen/

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Faculty of Economics
and Social Sciences

Hector Research Institute of Education
Sciences and Psychology

open-mindedness with respect to building interdisciplinary links with education sciences (if they have
not worked in education sciences before). You will also be given the opportunity to join the LEAD
Graduate School & Research Network (www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de) to develop a cross-faculty col-
laborative network of researchers working on research on education. While beneficial, proficiency in
German is not necessary for these positions.

For further inquiries about the position, please reach out to Professor Murayama (k.murayama@uni-
tuebingen.de).

Applications including (1) a cover letter detailing your experiences and skills in data science using
social science data (with specific analytic methods and programming language(s) that you have
used), (2) a CV, (3) contact of two references who can be contacted before interview, and (4) degree
and other certificates with transcripts should be sent via email in one single pdf-file to verwal-
tung@hib.uni-tuebingen.de. Initial deadline is March 23, 2021 but we continue to seek candidates
until the position is filled by a highly qualified candidate. 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.

http://www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de/
mailto:k.murayama@uni-tuebingen.de
mailto:k.murayama@uni-tuebingen.de
mailto:verwaltung@hib.uni-tuebingen.de
mailto:verwaltung@hib.uni-tuebingen.de