PhD Position (m/f/d) in the Individual Development and Adaptive Learning Lab

The IWM invites applications for the position of a

PhD Position (m/f/d)

E13 TV-L | Part-time | fixed term for three years | starting December 2026 or later

to work in the new research group Individual Development and Adaptive Learning (Prof. Dr. Garvin Brod). The research topic should align with our research focus on self-regulated, computer-based knowledge acquisition and should include formal modeling (in particular Bayesian Computational Modeling) as well as, potentially, the development of virtual learning environments. The research is conducted in close collaboration with the Computational Cognitive Development Lab at Harvard University. Pursuing a doctoral degree in the aforementioned research area is desired and will be explicitly supported.

Your tasks:

• Designing, planning, and evaluating learning experiments involving eye-tracking (eye movements, pupillometry) and computational modeling

• Organizing study implementation and supervising research assistants

• Presenting research findings at national and international conferences

• Publishing and documenting research findings in relevant academic journals

Your profile:

• Above-average degree (Master's or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive science, or related disciplines

• Strong interest in understanding learning processes through computational modeling and in interdisciplinary collaboration with researchers from computer science / artificial intelligence

• Experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing empirical studies

• Good statistical and programming skills; experience in independently analyzing empirical data (e.g., with R or Python)

We offer:

We offer a stimulating and varied role with room for initiative in an interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research institute located in the centre of Tübingen. You can expect a modern, well-equipped workplace, a cooperative and open working environment, and opportunities for targeted professional development (including membership in international research networks) as well as fully funded research stays at partner institutions if desired.

We support the compatibility of work and family life, ensure family-friendly working hours, and provide a childcare subsidy for pre-school children. Hybrid (mobile) working is possible, and you may also take advantage of our occupational health management services and a subsidised Deutschlandticket as a job ticket. 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).