PhD position (m/f/d) Focus: Learning Behaviour, Self-Regulated Learning, or STEM Identity (75% TV-L E13 , fixed-term contract for 3 years)
The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology at the University of Tübingen invites applications for the following position to be filled as soon as possible:
PhD position (m/f/d)
Focus: Learning Behaviour, Self-Regulated Learning, or STEM Identity
(75% TV-L E13[1], fixed-term contract for 3 years)
We are seeking a highly motivated person from the fields of psychology, empirical educational research, education sciences, cognitive science, or related disciplines who is eager to engage deeply with topics related to learning, motivation and development of gifted and talented students.
The successful candidate will be part of the team of the scientific monitoring of the Hector Children’s Academies Program (HCAP). The HCAP is funded by the Hector Foundation II and is supported by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The HCAP provides additional educational opportunities for highly gifted elementary school children at 69 locations across Baden-Württemberg. The program aims to foster individual talents through a diverse range of STEM courses.
To support and expand these course offers, the HCAP also operates a Moodle platform that provides a digital learning environment for the HCAP, engaging over 17,000 students, 700 instructors, and over 100 courses offered annually. As part of several ongoing projects, our research team is dedicated to enhancing and expanding the existing STEM course offerings that have been developed, evaluated and offered since 2016 in the Hector Children’s Academies.
The primary focus of this position is to empirically investigate learning behaviours among HCAP students. Specifically, the successful candidate will apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to examine the development of STEM identity and/or self-regulated learning in primary school children. This includes designing, implementing, and evaluating targeted interventions aimed at fostering STEM identity and enhancing self-regulated learning strategies for talented and gifted students. The research will contribute to evidence-based improvements in instructional design and pedagogical approaches within the HCAP framework.
The successful candidate will work closely with Professors Ulrich Trautwein, Jessika Golle, Katerina Tsarava, as well as with other researchers at the Hector Research Institute.
What we expect from you:
- A very good academic degree in psychology, empirical educational research, education sciences, cognitive science, or related fields,
- willingness for interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork,
- you present research findings at national and international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals,
- you support the broader research activities at the Hector Research Institute and contribute to the scientific discourse on STEM education and gifted learning,
- excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with practitioners and effectively
bridge the gap between research and practice,
- willingness for continuous professional development in line with the position’s requirements.
What we can offer you:
- An inspiring and collaborative environment where you can fully realize your passion for education and research,
- intensive supervision and diverse opportunities for further trainings as part of academic career development,
- support for interdisciplinary and international exchange,
- integration into the LEAD Graduate School & Research Network,
- inclusion in a dynamic team of motivated researchers passionate about education and giftedness.
For further information about the position, please contact Professor Ulrich Trautwein (ulrich.trautwein@uni-tuebingen.de).
The Hector Research Institute of Education Sciences and Psychology is 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. For more job opportunities at the Hector Research Institute, please visit the following webpage https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/45295.
We hope to have sparked your interest and kindly ask you to submit your complete and compelling application (including a CV and certificates) as one PDF document, mentioning the reference “Phd STEM Identity and SRL”, as soon as possible or latest by March 23, 2025, via email to: jobs@hib.uni-tuebingen.de.
Applications from equally qualified candidates with disabilities will be given preference. The University of Tübingen is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. It therefore takes individual life situations into account and asks for relevant information. The University seeks to raise the number of women in research and teaching and therefore urges qualified women to apply.
Employment will be officially organized by the central university administration.
[1] According to the general pay scale of German universities, the salary will be “E 13TV-L”. 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 2,2248.69 (net salary after taxes and health insurance payments). Your income will increase annually if you remain employed. Information regarding cost of living in Tübingen: https://tuebingenresearchcampus.com/tuebingen/