Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Modeling of Digital Education Data

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Modeling of Digital Education Data
(100%, E 13 TV-L, 3 years + possible extension, m/f/d)

We seek a bright and highly-motivated postdoctoral research fellow with strong expertise in cognitive computational modeling and an interest in applying computational approaches to digital education data. The position is funded through a collaborative project between the Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology and the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. The successful candidate will work on a highly interdisciplinary and ambitious research program that aims to apply theory-driven cognitive computational modeling to rich and intensive educational data obtained from learning platforms, digital learning tools (e.g., mobile apps), and/or ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). The candidate will work closely with Prof. Kou Murayama, Prof. Michiko Sakaki, and Prof. Peter Dayan.

What we offer
The position is offered for three years, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding availability. The expected start date is early 2027, although flexibility can be provided to accommodate individual circumstances. The successful candidate will be based at the Hector Research Institute and will also be affiliated with the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics in Tübingen. The Hector Research Institute (uni-tuebingen.de) is a nationally and internationally leading research center in education science and psychology. The Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics () is a world-renowned research hub for computational modeling and cognitive neuroscience. This unique research environment provides the postdoctoral researcher with access to a wide range of rich educational datasets at the Hector Research Institute, as well as cutting-edge computational facilities and expertise at the Max Planck Institute. Furthermore, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in the Hector Institute’s postdoctoral academy, PACE (uni-tuebingen.de), which offers training, coaching, and mentoring at the postdoctoral level. In addition, the candidate may join the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network (lead.uni-tuebingen.de) to develop cross-faculty collaborations with researchers in the field of education.

The successful candidate will have substantial freedom to develop a research program in concert with Profs. Murayama, Sakaki, and Dayan addressing computationally-tractable questions such as continual and self-directed learning, curiosity, metacognition, motivation, procrastination, self-regulated learning, or representational change. Projects can draw on a variety of existing datasets available at the Hector Research Institute. The position therefore provides an excellent opportunity for a researcher to develop an independent research profile at the intersection of computational modeling, psychology, and education. Postdoctoral researchers are expected to teach one course per term (co-teaching is possible). The successful candidate will also be encouraged to actively develop collaborations with researchers within the Hector Research Institute, the Max Planck Institute, and across the University of Tübingen.

The salary pay scale is “E13 TV-L”. Depending on prior experience, this might correspond to a monthly salary of around 5366 € (full-time position, experience level 3, 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 3177 € (net salary after taxes and health insurance payments). Your income will increase regularly if you remain employed. Information regarding cost of living in Tübingen: .

What we expect from you
We are looking for a candidate with a strong methodological background, excellent research skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration. Specifically, we expect:

• a PhD in Psychology, Neuroscience, Computer Science, or a related field, or expect to obtain one by the start date;
• have strong experience and skills in cognitive computational modeling;
• demonstrate a strong research track record, for example through peer-reviewed publications and/or third-party funding experience;
• prior experience in education research is not required. However, the successful candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in and willingness to commit to research in education;
• proficiency in German is beneficial but not required.

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

How to Apply
Applicants should provide (1) a cover letter outlining their skills and experiences relevant to this particular position, their motivation to work in empirical education research, and an outline of the questions that they would like to answer, (2) a CV, (3) contact details of three referees, and (4) copies of degree certificates and transcripts. Please submit all documents as a single PDF file to jobs@hib.uni-tuebingen.de, and indicate how you learned about the position (for internal purposes only). The application deadline is October 31, 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.