PhD in Adaptive Learning and Support (f/m/x)

FernUniversität in Hagen

Job ID 1998 The FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany’s only state distance-learning university, catering to over 75,000 students, providing flexible and accessible higher education opportunities to students in diverse life situations. The university conducts extensive theoretical and applied research across its five faculties, its central research unit CATALPA, and interdisciplinary research clusters. At CATALPA, over 50 researchers collaborate to support personalized learning using AI and adaptive systems and to understand the diversity of learners and teachers as a natural part of teaching.

PhD in Adaptive Learning and Support (f/m/x)

Full time 100%
Fixed term for 36 months
in pay group 13 TV-L

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the newly established research group (ATLaS) on Adaptive Teaching, Learning, and Support at the Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics, at the FernUniversität in Hagen as soon as possible. The research group investigates how teaching and learning can be measured, diagnosed, and supported through process-oriented, theory-driven assessment and adaptive support. Our work integrates perspectives from the learning sciences, educational psychology, and statistical, analytical, and computational methods to study learning processes in technology-enhanced learning environments. A central focus lies on understanding and supporting learning as a dynamic, regulated process by combining learning theories with multimodal data, learning analytics, and AI-based methods to diagnose and model learning processes and translate these insights into adaptive, learner-centered support that fosters meaningful human-technology partnerships. This PhD position is particularly suitable for candidates who are excited about learning as a dynamic process, enjoy working with complex empirical data, and are motivated to connect theory, measurement, and educational practice. Your tasks:

• Establish independent research priorities to achieve your scientific qualification (doctorate).
• Contribute to the conceptualization, design and empirical evaluation of innovative adaptive learning support grounded in learning theories.
• Engage with stakeholders, including students and educators, to gather requirements and feedback on educational interventions and tools developed.
• Conduct empirical research, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Prepare findings for publication in high-impact journals and present at (inter)national conferences.
• Participate in events organized by CATALPA and the CATALPA Graduate School, such as research colloquiums, poster symposiums, or workshops.
• Together with other CATALPA researchers, you may contribute to the preparation of interdisciplinary third-party funding applications.
• There are no teaching obligations.

Your profile:

• You have a master’s degree in psychology, learning and instruction, learning sciences, educational sciences, educational technology, or other relevant fields.
• You have a strong interest in the academic work and research topics of the research group.
• You have a solid foundation in empirical research methods and willingness to further develop advanced data-analytic skills.
• You have experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis tools and methodologies (e.g., SPSS, R, Python).
• Experience in conducting research, with a good understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, is a plus.
• Initial experience in conducting independent research and scientific publishing is an advantage.
• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; knowledge of German is desirable, but not required.
• You are able to work independently and as part of a team; furthermore, you are proactive, flexible, growth-oriented, and eager to learn.

What we offer:
The position has a contract period of three years and provides you with an opportunity to acquire a scientific qualification. If the applicant meets the academic requirements and has sufficient personal qualifications, the salary offered will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector. The position is an excellent opportunity for researchers passionate about using technology to enhance learning and education. Candidates should be prepared to work in a multidisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic environment and contribute to ongoing research projects that will be invaluable in educational practice. CATALPA offers an interdisciplinary working environment with a well-developed research infrastructure, intensive supervision, regular colloquia, and a diverse array of research-related training opportunities as well as a hybrid work environment, with partial on-site presence at the FernUniversität in Hagen. We strive to offer a good work-life balance, including options that support the reconciliation of family and career – such as the possibility of part-time employment – and a wide range of occupational health and wellness programs. For any questions, please reach out to:
Dr. Lyn Lim (Head of Junior Research Group)
Phone.: 02331 987-4671
E-mail: lyn.lim@fernuni-hagen.de CATALPA, Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics Have we sparked your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application in English. Upload your documents (cover letter, CV, copies of qualifications, etc.) to our online application system by March 12, 2026. We are committed to equal opportunities:
The FernUniversität in Hagen is committed to increasing the proportion of women in research and teaching. Qualified female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. In cases of equal qualifications, skills, and professional achievements, preference will be given to female candidates, unless there are compelling reasons for preferring an outstanding male candidate. Candidates with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.