Germany – PhD/Postdoc in Cognitive Science at Technical University of Munich

University: Technical University of Munich

Country: Germany

Deadline:

Fields: Psychology, Cognitive Science, Behavioral Science, Education, Neuroscience

Are you passionate about understanding how humans—both children and adults—actively seek information, learn, and make decisions in a complex world? Do you envision your research making a meaningful contribution to the growing field of cognitive science and developmental psychology? If so, the iSearch Lab at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) offers an exceptional opportunity to pursue your academic goals and advance your career.

About The University Or Research Institute

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Germany’s leading universities, renowned for its commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. Located in the vibrant city of Munich, TUM consistently ranks among the top universities in Europe and is recognized globally for its interdisciplinary approach and cutting‑edge research. The university fosters a dynamic academic environment, drawing students and researchers from around the world. Munich itself is a major hub for science, technology, and culture, offering an excellent quality of life, rich cultural experiences, and an international community. At TUM, you will be part of a diverse, forward‑thinking institution that values creativity, collaboration, and academic rigor.

Research Topic and Significance

The iSearch Lab, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Dr. Azzurra Ruggeri, is dedicated to investigating the mechanisms by which children and adults actively seek, select, and evaluate information to learn about the world around them. The lab’s research spans behavioral, computational, and cross‑cultural methods to explore curiosity, exploration, and reasoning throughout the human lifespan. A central focus is ecological active learning—understanding how individuals interact with their environment to acquire knowledge and make informed decisions.

This research is of profound significance in today’s rapidly changing world. As information becomes more accessible yet more complex, understanding how people learn and make decisions is crucial for designing better educational systems, improving decision‑making in real‑world contexts, and fostering lifelong learning. The lab’s work contributes to foundational knowledge in cognitive science, psychology, and education, with practical implications for technology design, policy, and social development.

Project Details

The advertised position is open‑topic, meaning that successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop and pursue their own research ideas within the broad thematic areas of the iSearch Lab. Rather than being tied to a predefined project, you will have the freedom to shape your own research agenda, provided it aligns with the lab’s interests in active learning, information search, decision‑making, and developmental cognition.

As a member of the iSearch Lab, you will work closely with Prof. Dr. Dr. Azzurra Ruggeri and an interdisciplinary, international team of researchers. The lab encourages innovative perspectives and welcomes methodological expertise that complements or expands its current projects. The collaborative and supportive environment at TUM will allow you to contribute creatively to ongoing research while developing your independent academic profile.

Candidate Profile

• For Doctoral Candidates: Hold, or expect to obtain by the start date, a diploma or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related discipline.
• For Postdoctoral Researchers: Have completed, or be about to complete, a PhD (doctoral degree) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Open to all nationalities; candidates must be able to work independently and possess excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Full‑time commitment is required, with physical presence at TUM in Munich. Teleworking is not permitted.
• Strong background or interest in information search, active learning, and cognitive development.
• Experience with behavioral coding programs (e.g., Datavyu), statistical methods, and programming languages (e.g., R, Python) is desirable.
• Familiarity with online data collection and survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics) is highly valued.
• Willingness to collaborate in an international, interdisciplinary team and to contribute to a creative research environment.

Application Process

• Application Deadline: 23 November 2025
• Application Materials: Certificates, CV, cover letter (including motivation and a research proposal up to three pages), and two reference letters.
• Submission Method: Please refer to the official advertisement for application details.
• Selection Process: Candidates will be assessed on academic background, research experience, and alignment with the lab’s agenda. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a structured interview with predefined questions and a scoring system.
• Reserve List: A reserve list of top candidates may be created for future opportunities.
• Selection Committee: The committee ensures gender balance, nationality diversity, and relevant expertise.
• Timeline: Interviews are expected in early December; final decisions will be made by late December.
• Expected Start Date: Between February and May 2026.

Conclusion

If you are driven to explore the frontiers of how humans learn, decide, and explore, and wish to join a leading research university in the heart of Europe, this position at the iSearch Lab, TUM, is an outstanding opportunity. We encourage all qualified and motivated candidates to apply and to explore similar opportunities that can shape your academic and professional future.

For full details and to access the official advertisement, visit

#J-18808-Ljbffr