Deadline: 6 May 2026
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) for Large-Scale Longitudinal Data Analysis in Empirical Education Research
(100% E 13 TV-L[1] for 3 years with potential of extension for 3 more years)
We are seeking a bright and motivated postdoctoral research fellow with strong experience and skills in analyzing large-scale longitudinal datasets in empirical education research, such as intensive longitudinal data, log-trace data from learning platforms, and panel data. Relevant areas of expertise include longitudinal data analysis, psychometrics, learning analytics, and machine learning. We are particularly interested in candidates with solid theoretical knowledge in empirical education research and or psychology. The successful candidate will work closely with Prof. Kou Murayama, Prof. Ulrich Trautwein, and/or Prof. Benjamin Nagengast, as well as other colleagues at the institute, to conduct cutting-edge research in educational science and psychology.
The position is offered as a fixed-term contract for 3 years, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding availability. The expected start date is Fall 2026, although some flexibility can be provided to accommodate individual circumstances. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the institute’s postdoctoral academy, PACE (Tübingen Postdoctoral Academy for Research on Education), which offers training, coaching, and mentoring at the postdoctoral level. In addition, the candidate may join the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network (www.lead.uni-tuebingen.de) to develop cross-faculty collaborations with researchers in the field of education.
The position is part of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship of Educational Psychology held by Prof. Kou Murayama at the Hector Research Institute (https://motivationsciencelab.com/). The Hector Research Institute is a nationally and internationally leading research center in education science and psychology. Our interdisciplinary team works in a well-equipped building located close to the historic old town of Tübingen, Germany (www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de). The institute aims to establish a research hub focused on data science and machine learning in education, and we are seeking candidates who have the potential to take a leading role in this initiative.
There are no predefined projects for this position. Instead, the successful candidate is expected to develop joint research programs in collaboration with the supervisors, working with a variety of existing datasets. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to teach one course per term as part of the institute’s training program (co-teaching is possible). The successful candidate is also expected to actively seek collaborations with other researchers within the institute and across the university.
The successful candidate should hold a PhD in Empirical Education Research, Psychology, Research Methodology, or a related field (or will have obtained one by the start date of the position) and demonstrate a strong track record, for example through publications and third-party funding experience. Expertise in machine learning is an advantage. A clear commitment to research transparency is also desirable. The most important selection criteria are (1) a solid methodological skill set that enables independent research and (2) substantive expertise in one or more areas of education and or psychology. Proficiency in German is beneficial but not required for this position.
For further inquiries about the position, please reach out to Professor Kou Murayama (k.murayamaspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de).
Applications should include (1) a cover letter outlining your expertise in longitudinal data analysis and your substantive knowledge in empirical education research and/or psychology, (2) a CV, (3) contact details of two referees, and (4) copies of degree certificates and transcripts. Please submit all documents as a single PDF file to jobsspam prevention@hib.uni-tuebingen.de, referencing “PD Data Analysis”, and indicate how you learned about the position (for internal purposes only). The application deadline is May 6, 2026.
The University of Tübingen is committed to equity and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunities. Equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference in the hiring process. The University of Tübingen is committed to increasing the percentage of women in research and teaching and thus encourages women with adequate qualifications to apply.
Employment will be officially carried out by the central university administration.
