Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/x) (100% TV-L13, 3 years) - Theory Specification and Replicability in Social Psychology

As part of an international project within the DFG priority programme META-REP, carried out in cooperation with the Vienna University of Economics and Business, a position (preferably for a postdoc (f/m/x)) is available. The project involves a) the formal specification of classic theories in social psychology, b) the validation and provision of these formalizations in an Open Theory Database, and c) the analysis of the relationship between various aspects of theory specification and the replicability of findings that test these theories. To achieve the project goals, the use of Large Language Models (LLMs), web scraping methods, and expert workshops are planned.

YOUR TASKS 
» Coordination of the project 
» Application and further development of methods for theory specification based on propositions 
» Automated specification of social psychology theories using web scraping and LLMs 
» Automated analysis of the replicability of findings (e.g. using p-curve and z-curve analyses) 
» Coordinating and holding workshops on theory specification 
» Coordination of the development of an open theory database 
» Creation of online resources for theory specification 

YOUR PROFILE 
» Interest in meta-scientific and methodological questions and their dissemination 
» Programming skills in R or Python 
» Knowledge of using LLMs and web scraping, or a willingness to acquire these skills 
» Knowledge of social psychology theories 
» A completed or advanced PhD in Psychology, Cognitive Science, Computer Science, or related fields is desirable 
» Experience in communicating and disseminating scientific findings and methods in English (e.g. international publications, conference contributions, teaching experience)

WE OFFER 
» Collaboration in an international team to address a central challenge in psychology 
» A diverse working environment with equal opportunities 
» Support in balancing work and family life 
» Extensive advanced training opportunities 
» Occupational health management offers 
» Flexible working time models 
» Opportunity to work remotely

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity. 

The position is available from 1 February 2025 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). The position is to be filled for a fixed term until 31 January 2028. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector. Please apply online with proof of the required qualification without a photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2410-19. The application deadline is 1 December 2024. For further inquiries, please contact Professor Dr. Andreas Glöckner (andreas.gloeckner@uni-koeln.de).