09.12.2025

PhD Computational Modelling and Neuroscience (m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 75%)

Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology

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

PhD Position on Computational Modelling and Neuroscience
(m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 75%, limited to three years)

We are seeking an excellent doctoral student motivated to work at the intersection of computational modelling, neuroscience, and education, with a particular focus on motivation and emotion research. The project aims to uncover the computational and neural mechanisms underlying how academic self-concept dynamically changes in response to academic feedback. The work will be grounded in psychological theories of learning and motivation.

We welcome applicants from psychology, cognitive science, cognitive and affective neuroscience, computer science, educational science, or related fields. We especially encourage candidates with a strong background in psychological theories of motivation and emotion. The position is available from April 2026, with flexibility depending on individual circumstances.

The position is supervised by Professor Michiko Sakaki and Professor Kou Murayama at the Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology, an intra-university research institute at the University of Tübingen that investigates individual, social, and institutional determinants of learning and educational processes. We employ a wide range of methodological approaches, from large-scale assessments and longitudinal studies to laboratory experiments and randomized field studies. Our close collaboration with schools and educational institutions enables us to provide evidence-based insights for improving the education landscape. Nationally and internationally, our research institute is one of the leading centres for empirical educational research. As an interdisciplinary team, we work in a well-equipped building located directly adjacent to Tübingen’s historic old town. More information about us and our institute can be found at www.hib.uni-tuebingen.de.

What we expect from you

• A Master’s degree in psychology, cognitive science, computational modelling, or a related field, with excellent grades
• A strong interest in interdisciplinary research in education.
• Demonstrated interest in human emotion and motivation theories.
• Excellent skills in neuroimaging analysis, experimental programming, and/or computational modelling.
• Full proficiency in English as a working language in an international research team. Some proficiency in the German language is desirable.

What we can offer you 

• Close collaboration, mentoring, and professional development from an experienced supervisory team.
• Work within an inspiring, multidisciplinary, and international team that includes many talented PhD students.
• Great networking potential through the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network and the International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS)
• A supportive environment enabling presentations at national and international conferences and publications in highly ranked journals to foster an international academic career.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary and international exchange programs (e.g., lab visits).
• A 75% TV-L E13 contract, limited to three years. According to the general pay scale of Ger-man universities, this corresponds to a monthly salary of at least EUR 3,472.31 (75% position, gross pay, before tax). After taxes as a single (i.e., not married or living with a life partner; no children), the monthly salary is at least EUR 2,2218 (net salary after taxes and health insur-ance payments). Your income will increase regularly if you remain employed. Information regarding cost of living in Tübingen.

For further inquiries about the position, please reach out to Professor Kou Murayama k.murayamaspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de 

Applications including (a) a cover letter detailing your research experiences, interests, and methodological skills, (b) a CV, and (c) degrees and other certificates with transcripts should be sent via email in one single pdf-file using the subject “PhD Neuroimaging” to jobsspam prevention@hib.uni-tuebingen.de . The deadline is January 21, 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.