Doctoral Candidate / Scientific Researcher in the DFG Research Unit “Beyond Crazy” in Jena, Deutschland

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 308/2026
Closing date: 2026-11-29

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Libert y, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

Doctoral Candidate / Scientific Researcher in the DFG Research Unit “Beyond Crazy”

We offer a part-time position (75% / 30 hours per week), offered as a fixed-term position for the duration of the project (48 months).

The research project entitled (How and why) Do conspiracy beliefs blaze the trail to political violence? investigates the conditions under which conspiracy beliefs increase the willingness to engage in political violence, and to what extent such a link may serve psychological or societal functions. The project’s central assumptions are grounded in social psychology and the psychology of justice. Methodologically, the project uses experimental games and experimental psychological studies.

The project is part of the DFG Research Unit “Beyond Crazy: Integrating Benefits into the Analysis of Conspiracy Beliefs” and is thus embedded in a larger, interdisciplinary research network. Membership in the Research Unit includes regular academic exchange with doctoral researchers and professors at the other sites as well as participation in joint conferences and workshops. Candidates who wish to apply for several subprojects of the Research Unit are warmly invited to do so and are asked to indicate this in each of their applications.

Your responsibilities:

• Coordinating the research project together with the project management
• Independent planning, implementation, and analysis of experimental studies
• (Further) development of an experimental game for studying conspiracy beliefs
• Publishing studies in academic journals and presenting results at international conferences
• Working on an academic qualification project (doctorate)

Your profile:

• A completed university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in psychology, political science, communication science, or a related field is required
• In-depth knowledge of experimental research methods
• Excellent written and spoken English is expected; good written and spoken German is an advantage
• Prior experience with experimental games, research on the psychology of justice, or programming research environments is desirable

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure at an outstanding research location
• Membership in a research unit with excellent international connections
• A comprehensive training and professional development programme offered by the Graduate Academy and the Research Unit
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

If you have any questions about the position, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr. Tobias Rothmund by e-mail: [email protected]

Have we sparked your interest? Then please apply by 29.11.2026 using our online form.

For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to Data privacy and information for applicants