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:
Two 3-year doctoral positions (m/f/d)
(65 %, E 13 TV-L1)
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, affec-
tive science, social/personality science, educational science, psychometrics/data science, neuroim-
aging (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 Ad-
vanced 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 Pro-
fessorship 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 Ger-
many (https://www.humboldt-professur.de/en). The Hector Research Institute is a nationally and in-
ternationally 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 learn-
ing 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 ex-
pected to design and implement studies together with Kou Murayama, Michiko Sakaki, and other
researchers at the Hector Research Institute.
1 According to the general pay scale of German universities, the salary will be “E 13TV-L”. This corresponds to a monthly
salary of at least EUR 2,601,-** (65% position, gross pay, before tax). After taxes as a single (i.e. not married or in a civil
partnership; no children), the monthly salary is at least EUR 1.703 (net salary after taxes and health insurance payments).
Your income will increase annually if you remain employed. Information regarding cost of living in Tübingen:
https://tuebingenresearchcampus.com/tuebingen/
https://www.humboldt-professur.de/en
http://www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de/
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Faculty of Economics
and Social Sciences
Hector Research Institute of Education
Sciences and Psychology
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 tal-
ented 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 sci-
ences, 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 methodolo-
gies (using R, Mplus, etc.) and/or experimental programming is desirable. Some proficiency in Ger-
man 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.mu-
rayama@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 verwaltung@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 quali-
fied 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@reading.ac.uk
mailto:k.murayama@reading.ac.uk
mailto:verwaltung@hib.uni-tuebingen.de