registration number:
fb04-0016-wmz-2026
Entry date: 2026-10-01
Application deadline: 2026-06-21
Salary: E 13 TV-H
Duration:
3 years
Volume of employment: fulltime
The University of Marburg, founded in 1527, offers a variety of excellent programs of study for around 22,000 students and confronts the important topics of our time through excellent research across a broad spectrum of sciences.
The Department of Psychology, Psychological Methods Lab, PI: Prof. Dr. Daniel Heck, invites applications for a
Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc)
The position is offered for a period of three years and is expected to start on 1 October 2026. The position is fulltime, with salary and benefits commensurate with a public service position in the state Hesse, Germany (TV-H E 13).
The project “Bridging the Gap Between Verbal Psychological Theories and Formal Statistical Modeling with Large Language Models”, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, explores the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) as a tool in psychological research. The primary focus is on employing LLMs to bridge verbally formulated theories and constructs with statistical modeling and the quantitative analysis of empirical experiments. Using LLMs, stimuli such as words, sentences, and vignettes can be systematically generated to achieve a well-defined and higher variability of stimuli for empirical research. Additionally, LLMs are well-suited for coding stimulus materials and open-ended responses. As part of this project, robust workflows will be developed and evaluated to ensure that the application of LLMs in psychological research is valid, transparent, and reproducible.
Tasks:
- Research in the field of psychological methods and statistical modeling
- Application and evaluation of LLMs in psychology, including collaboration with other research groups
- Development of software (e.g., R or Python packages) for the use of LLMs in psychological research
- Scientific contribution to publications and grant applications for third-party funded projects
- Presentation of research findings at (inter-)national conferences
This is a fixed-term project position. The contract is not concluded under Section 2(1) of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG).
Profile:
- MSc degree or equivalent and a PhD in psychology, cognitive science, statistics, computer science, or a related field
- Strong interest in methodology, statistics, and artificial intelligence, and their application to psychological research
- Strong programming skills (e.g., in Python or R)
- Excellent English proficiency and strong teamwork skills
- Prior experience with LLMs, statistical modeling, or the development of R or Python packages is advantageous
We offer:
- Freedom to develop independent research ideas, including their elaboration and publication
- Strong supervision and a supportive team
- An attractive, well-equipped research environment
- Excellent (inter-)national networking opportunities and funding for conference and lab visits
- Flexible working hours and a family-friendly work environment
- Competitive salary based on the collective agreement of the state of Hesse (Tarifvertrag), including a state travel pass ()
Contact for more Information Prof. Dr. Daniel Heck
+49 6421-28 23669
We support women and strongly encourage them to apply. In areas where women are underrepresented, female applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. As a certified family-friendly university, we support our employees in balancing family and career. A reduction of working time is possible. as discribed in the Social Security Code (Section 2(2) and (3) of Book IX of the Social Security Code (SGB IX)) will be preferred in case of equal qualifications. Application and interview costs can not be refunded.
Please apply by 21 June 2026 and submit your application documents (motivation letter, CV, certificates, as well as two research papers, such as manuscripts or journal articles) using the application-button below.