Doctoral Researcher in Social Psychology / Conspiracy Beliefs and Morality

Overview

The Social Psychology and Microsociology research group, in affiliation with the Mannheim Centre for European Social Research, is seeking to appoint a research associate with the opportunity to pursue a doctorate, starting on 1 October 2026 . The position is initially limited to three years at 50% of full-time employment. There is the prospect of increasing the position to 75% after five months and extending the overall duration of employment.

Project focus

The position is part of a social psychological research project led by Dr Lotte Pummerer that focuses on belief in conspiracy theories and morality . The project examines how belief in conspiracy theories shapes perceptions of oneself, one’s own group, and other societal actors, and how this affects behaviour.

Responsibilities

• The project studies important societal questions using a social psychological approach. Methodologically, it will primarily involve quantitative experimental studies.
• The position provides the opportunity to develop an individual doctoral project within this broader thematic framework and to contribute one’s own research interests and ideas.