PhD Position/ Doctoral Researcher

Within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence HUMAN ORIGINS, a position for a

PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher
(m/f/d, E13 TV-L, 65%, temporary for 3 years)

is to be filled at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen at the earliest possible date.

This interdisciplinary research project investigates the cognitive demands of Stone Age manufacturing techniques and combines approaches from archaeology, psychology, and cognitive science.

The goal of the project is to experimentally investigate the evolutionary significance of transformative Stone Age techniques—such as the heat treatment of lithic raw materials, the production of adhesives, or the intentional modification of pigments. For this purpose, study participants will be provided with various information and instructions to perform these techniques. On this basis, the probability of success of these manufacturing techniques, their perceived level of difficulty, and the associated cognitive demands will be examined.

Requirements

• Completed University Degree: Master’s or equivalent degree. Applications from the fields of archaeology, psychology, and cognitive sciences are explicitly welcome.
• Motivation: Strong motivation to gain fundamental new insights into Stone Age manufacturing techniques.
• Teamwork: Enthusiasm for working in an interdisciplinary team.
• Experimental Fieldwork: Willingness to participate in multi-week experimental studies with human participants, which take place partly outdoors and include, among other things, conducting and guiding experiments involving fire.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

Disabled applicants will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications. The University of Tübingen is committed to the goals of equality and diversity and actively promotes equal opportunity. The university aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages appropriately qualified early-career female scientists to apply.

Application Process

Applications, including a CV and letter of motivation, must be submitted by September 15, 2026, to:

• Prof. Patrick Schmidt
  University of Tübingen, Department of Geosciences
  Wilhelmstrasse 56, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
• Prof. Barbara Kaup
  University of Tübingen, Institute of Psychology
  Schleichstraße 4, 72076 Tübingen, Germany

Applications in a single PDF document sent via email are preferred:
patrick.schmidt@uni-tuebingen.de | barbara.kaup@uni-tuebingen.de