PhD Researcher (f/m/d)

leibniz-psychology; Trier; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

The Leibniz Institute for Psychology Information (ZPID) in Trier, Germany, invites applications for a PhD Researcher (f/m/d) in social psychology. The project investigates how negative emotions influence conspiracy beliefs, under the DFG umbrella, with collaboration across multiple institutions.

The role includes data collection, analysis, manuscript preparation, and supervision of research assistants. The position (75% of a full-time equivalent) is funded for four years at TV-L E13, starting

Qualifications

• MSc in psychology (or a related field)
• Interest or background in emotion regulation and conspiracy beliefs
• Experience in quantitative research and data analysis
• Strong background in psychological methods and statistics
• Strong English language skills (spoken and written); knowledge of German is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Developing, preparing, and conducting studies
• Analyzing data and documenting results
• Writing manuscript for publication
• Supervising research assistants

Skills

Quantitative research

Data analysis

Psychological statistics

English proficiency

German language (advantage)

Education

MSc in psychology or related field

Job description

The Leibniz Institute for Psychology Information (ZPID) in Trier (Germany) is an internationally recognized research-based psychology service center located in Trier (Germany) and belongs to the Leibniz Association. ZPID puts a strong emphasis on open science and is currently establishing research groups in science reception, psychological meta-science, and big data in psychology.

PhD Researcher (f/m/d)

(salary group TV-L E13, 75 %,4 years)

Preferred starting date: March 1, 2027.

The position is part of a social-psychological research project Prof. Dr. Kai Sassenberg will conduct in collaboration with Dr. Lotte Pummerer (Universität Mannheim). The aim is to examine the impact of negative emotions on the formation of conspiracy beliefs, applying appraisal theories of emotion and emotion regulation approaches. The position will be located in the Social Influence Lab at ZPID.

The project is part of the DFG Research Unit “Beyond Crazy: Integrating Benefits into the Analysis of Conspiracy Beliefs” and is thus integrated into a larger, interdisciplinary research network. This includes regular academic exchange with doctoral students and professors from the participating institutions at other locations, as well as participation in joint conferences and workshops. Candidates interested in applying to multiple subprojects within the research unit are welcome to do so. A single application is sufficient; candidates should simply list the subprojects in order of preference. The application must be submitted to each institution offering a subproject for which the candidate wishes to be considered.

Tasks:

• Developing, preparing, and conducting studies
• Analyzing data and documenting results
• Writing manuscript for publication
• Supervising research assistants

Your profile:

• MSc in psychology (or a related field)
• Interest or a background in emotion regulation and conspiracy beliefs
• Experience in quantitative research and data analysis
• Strong background in psychological methods and statistics
• Strong English language skills (spoken and written), knowledge of German is an advantage

We offer:

• An exciting scientific environment – locally and in the research unit
• Room for your own research ideas
• Excellent teamwork in a friendly and collegial atmosphere
• Access to the facilities of Trier University

Please get in touch withKai Sassenberg ([e-mail]) for further information on this position.

ZPID is highly committed to the employment of people with disabilities. Severely disabled applicants are given preferential consideration provided they are qualified for the position. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, age, or sexual orientation and identity.
We observe guidelines regarding laws and regulations governing part-time employment.

When applying for a position at ZPID, you will submit personal data. Please refer to our data protection statement in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data as part of your online application at our website. With submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have reviewed ZPID's data protection statement.
Please note that online applications will only be accepted until November 25, 2026 via the following URL: