Deadline: 15 April 2026
At the Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology, an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Tübingen, the following position is available at the earliest possible date:
PhD Position (m/f/d) in Teaching Quality and AI-generated Classroom Videos
(75% TV-L E13, limited to three years)
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate in Psychology, Empirical Educational Research, Cognitive Science, or related disciplines who is eager to conduct in-depth and systematic analyses of the affordances and constraints of AI-generated classroom videos for research on teaching quality. As part of the interdisciplinary research team on artificial intelligence (AI)-generated classroom videos, we investigate how AI can be used to systematically investigate teaching quality dimensions and teacher personality. Within this framework, the PhD position will focus on systematic variations in teacher personality, the validation of teaching quality dimensions in experimental designs, the potential of AI for assessing these dimensions, and rater and teacher training. We are looking for a PhD candidate with a strong interest in both theoretical and empirical research on teaching quality, classroom dynamics, personality, and, ideally, with enthusiasm for research at the intersection of education, psychology, and AI. Experience in experimental research is desirable, preferably complemented by strong quantitative analysis and enhanced AI skills.
The successful candidate will work closely with Dr. Tim Fütterer, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Trautwein, and other project team members and will collaborate with researchers at the Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology, as well as the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network (Learning, Educational Achievement, and Life Course Development) to design and conduct studies.
What We Expect from You
We are looking for a candidate with a strong academic background and a keen interest in empirical research. Specifically, we expect:
• An excellent academic degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Psychology, Empirical Educational Research, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Openness to empirical research methods and curiosity about statistical approaches.
• Proficiency in English as a working language in an international research team.
• Experience with statistical analysis software, such as R, SPSS, or Mplus.
• A willingness to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork.
• The ability to work independently and a high level of personal commitment.
• A commitment to continuous professional development in line with the project’s requirements.
In addition, the following qualifications would be considered an asset:
• Interest in open-weight models and a general curiosity about AI.
• Interest in leveraging AI meaningfully within educational contexts.
• Experience with tools such as ComfyUI or similar frameworks.
• Basic experience in video production, particularly editing and simple post-production.
• A basic understanding of Python (proficiency is not required, but conceptual familiarity is
beneficial).
What We Offer
We provide an inspiring, productive, and collaborative research environment with excellent opportunities for professional and academic development. Specifically, we offer:
• Comprehensive supervision and a wide range of training opportunities, including methodological training as part of early-career researcher support.
• Support for interdisciplinary and international collaborations, such as lab visits and participation in international conferences.
• Guidance in scientific publishing and the opportunity to share your research with a broader audience.
• Integration into the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network (www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de).
• Involvement in a dynamic and motivated research team passionate about education, digitalisation, and technology.
For further information about the position, please contact Dr. Tim Fütterer at tim.fuetterer@uni-tuebingen.de.
The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology is an interdisciplinary research institute at the University of Tübingen, dedicated to investigating the individual, social, and institutional determinants of learning and educational processes. Our research employs a broad range of methodological approaches, including large-scale assessments, longitudinal and laboratory studies, and randomized field experiments. We collaborate closely with schools and educational institutions to generate evidence-based insights to improve the educational landscape. Our institute is recognized as a leading center for empirical educational research both nationally and internationally. As an interdisciplinary team, we work in a well-equipped research facility, located near the historic old town of Tübingen. For more information about our work and institute, please visit www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de.
We hope to have sparked your interest and invite you to submit your complete and compelling application (including a CV and transcripts) as a single PDF document, referencing “PhD AI Classroom Videos and Teaching Quality”, by April 15, 2026, via email to jobs@hib.uni-tuebingen.de.
Applicants with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified. The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity and takes individual life circumstances into account. The university aims to increase the representation of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages qualified female researchers to apply.
The employment will be administered through the Central Administration of the University of Tübingen.
