Researcher / PhD Position (m/f/d) - 1014-2026

The Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien (IWM) conducts research into the acquisition and sharing of knowledge and cooperation with digital media. The institute is a member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz Gemeinschaft) and committed to international standards of excellent science.

The IWM invites applications for the position of a

Researcher / PhD Position (m/f/d)

Part-time 75%, fixed term for three years, starting November 2026 or later.

The Everyday Media Lab investigates (incidental) knowledge processes that occur when people engage with social media or communicative AI, whether in everyday life or in professional contexts. We welcome applicants interested in either of these research areas and particularly encourage projects that connect both, such as investigating AI-generated content shared on social media or the use of AI and social media in workplace contexts. Our research focuses on knowledge-related outcomes such as incidental learning, credibility judgments, or informational benefits and the cognitive and social processes that underlie them. Research in the lab draws on theories and methods from media psychology, social psychology, and communication science.

Your tasks:

Your responsibilities will include designing, conducting, and analyzing empirical studies, presenting findings at national and international conferences, and publishing in peer-reviewed international journals. In addition, you will support the administrative management of the lab. Writing your doctoral thesis on a self-generated research question in one of the research areas of the lab is desired and explicitly supported.

Your profile:

• Above-average degree (Master's or equivalent) in psychology, communication science, or related discipline
• Experience in the design, planning, conduction and analysis of quantitative empirical studies
• Strong interest in knowledge-related effects of social media and/or AI use
• Self-motivated and pro-active working style with an open and curious mindset; enjoy working in interdisciplinary teams and contributing to a culture of shared learning
• Very good command of English; knowledge of German is an asset

We offer:

• An exciting and varied field of research with creative freedom in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research institute located in central Tuebingen (Germany)
• Work in an cooperative an enthousiastic team as well as a stimulating, international and interdisciplinary oriented research environment
• Remuneration based on the collective agreement for the public service in the federal states of Germany, including the social benefits customary in public service
• Employment, remuneration (pay group 13 TV-L) and social benefits, including company pension scheme and 6 weeks annual leave, are based on the collective agreement for the public service in the federal states of Germany (TV-L)
• Reconciliation of work and family life, family-friendly working hours, cost subsidy for pre-school childcare
• Mobile working option (hybrid), subsidy towards the Deutschlandticket as a job ticket, occupational health management (OHM)

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Sonja Utz by phone +49 7071 979-308 or email: s.utz@iwm-tuebingen.de.

Please send your application in a single PDF file with the usual supporting documents and a covering letter, curriculum vitae and certificates by quoting reference number 1014-2026 to career@iwm-tuebingen.de. Preference will be given to applications received by September 30, 2026.

The IWM is committed to equality for all people and therefore expressly welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, ethnic, cultural or social background, gender, religion, belief or sexual identity. Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference.