Researcher / PhD Position (m/f/d)

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 July 2026 or later

to strengthen research in the new junior research group of Dr. Man “Echo” Su. The group focus is on the research and development of digital teaching and learning scenarios, including AI-based simulation environments, XR, online videos, and adaptive learning tools. The group combines learning sciences, human-centered design, and computational approaches to study and support teaching and learning processes in authentic educational contexts.

And in the TüDiLab. The TüDiLab provides a research infrastructure and serves as a living lab. It is a joint Lab of the University of Tübingen and the IWM linking teacher education with empirical classroom research across various subjects. The TüDiLab is part of the Future Innovation Space (FIS) for future educational innovations.

The junior research group is also part of the newly established Individual Development and Adaptive Learning lab, which is headed by Prof. Garvin Brod.

Your tasks:

• Design, implementation, evaluation, and documentation of empirical studies on digital teaching and learning scenarios in authentic contexts

• Capture and analysis of teaching and learning processes using multimodal data (e.g., video-based interaction analysis, eye-tracking, log/trace data).

• Active contribution to the development of new digital learning technologies, such as:
  • AI-supported simulation or tutoring systems
  • dashboards for learning analytics or teacher support
  • integration of AR/VR components into learning environments

• Presentation of research findings at national and international conferences

• Publications in peer-reviewed international journals

• Collaboration on lab- and institute-related activities

Your profile:

• Above-average degree (Master’s or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive science, computer science, empirical educational research, or related disciplines

• Experience with one or more of the following:
  • designing, planning, and execution of classroom-based, school-based, or other applied educational research
  • programming or development of digital learning technologies, such as simulations, dashboards, AI-based tools, or XR applications
  • multimodal data collection (e.g. video, eye-tracking, log data)
  • quantitative research methods, with proficiency in R and/or Python
  • educational data mining, learning analytics, or process-oriented analysis

• Strong interest in researching the impact of digital technology use on teaching and learning

• High agency, reflected in strong intellectual curiosity, imaginative thinking, and the willingness to challenge established assumptions and pursue novel research directions

• 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)

• A stimulating research environment and a cooperative and enthousiastic team

• 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)