Postdoctoral Research Fellow / Junior Research Group Leader on Intrinsic Motivation in Psychology, Education Science, or Data science (m/f/d)

The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology at the University of Tübingen is currently inviting applications for the following position:

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (100%, E 13 TV-L1) or
Junior Research Group Leader (100%, E 14 TV-L )¹ on

Intrinsic Motivation in Psychology, Education Science, or Data science

for 3 years (+ potential extension) (m/f/d)

We are seeking a bright and motivated postdoctoral research fellow or junior research group leader (depending on experience) on the topic of intrinsic motivation (broadly defined) in the field of psychology, education science, or data science. We are seeking autonomous and independent researchers who actively work and collaborate with the PI (Prof. Kou Murayama; https://motivationsciencelab.com/) and other colleagues in the institute to conduct cutting edge research on education science and psychology.

The position is part of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship held by Professor Kou Murayama 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.humboldt-professur.de/en). The Hector Research Institute is a nationally and internationally 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 (www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de).

The position comes with a fixed-term contract for 3 years with the possibility of extension. The expected start date is Fall 2023 but we are highly flexible and committed to accommodating candidates' individual circumstances. There is the possibility to participate in the institute's own postdoctoral acad-emy PACE (Tübingen Postdoctoral Academy for Research on Education) which offers further training, coaching, and mentoring at postdoctoral level. The successful candidate will also be given the opportunity to join the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network (www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de) to develop cross-faculty collaborative network of researchers working on research on education.

The successful candidate is expected to work on projects related to intrinsic motivation (e.g., curiosity, interest, information-seeking, etc.). The exact topic of work depends on the expertise of the successful candidate and will be collaboratively determined with the PI. Therefore, the candidate is expected to have high independence and creative thinking. The successful candidate is also expected to actively seek collaboration with other researchers in the institute or the university. Teaching is not required but we strongly encourage postdocs to do so (e.g., one course per semester + thesis supervision) as part of our training program for postdocs.

The successful candidate holds an excellent PhD in Psychology, Education Science, Data Science, or a related field (or will have obtained one by the start date of the position) and has visible track record (e.g., publication and third-party funding experience) in the field. Strong expertise in data analysis is desired. A visible commitment to research transparency is a good bonus. Most importantly, the successful candidate should specifically demonstrate (1) solid methodological skill sets that allow them to conduct research with independence, (2) substantive experience with interdisciplinary research project(s), and (3) a strong motivation and open-mindedness with respect to building interdisciplinary links with education sciences. While beneficial, proficiency in German is not necessary for these positions.

For further inquiries about the position, please reach out to Professor Kou Murayama (k.mu-rayama@reading.ac.uk).

Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference. The university of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. It therefore takes individual life situations into account and asks for relevant information. The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women to apply.

Applications should include a cover letter showing (1) your experiences on (or interest in) the topic of intrinsic motivation, (2) your research skills (e.g., statistical programming), and if the applicant comes outside of the field of education, (3) your motivation to work collaboratively with researchers on education. They should also include, a CV, contact of two references who can be contacted before interview, degree and other certificates with transcripts. All documents should be sent via email in one single pdf-file stating "Intrinsic Motivation" to jobs@hib.uni-tuebingen.de. Initial deadline is May 30, 2023 but we continue to seek candidates until all of the positions are filled by highly qualified candidates.

Employment will be officially organized by the central university administration.

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