PhD student / Research associate (m/f/x) in Formal Epistemology and Agent-Based Modeling

Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Research :
Institute for Philosophy II
Research Group 'Reasoning, Rationality and Science'
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,8895 = 65%) by , we are looking for a

PhD student / Research associate (m/f/x) in Formal Epistemology and Agent-Based Modeling

The research group 'Reasoning, Rationality and Science' is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Dunja Šešelja and Prof. Dr. Christian Straßer, both based at the Institute for Philosophy II, Faculty for Philosophy and Educational Science.

We are looking for a research assistant (m/f/x) with documented research experience to investigate how complex group-level phenomena, such as belief polarization and fragmented consensus, emerge from deliberation and argumentative exchange among (boundedly) rational agents. The project focuses on rational reconstructions of polarization—studying how belief divergence can arise from fragmented access to evidence rather than individual bias. A key methodological component is the use of Bayesian, agent-based simulation environments where topics are represented via Bayesian networks to formalize argumentative relations between hypotheses and evidence.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany's leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum's declared aim.

• Research Focus: Investigate the interaction between topic properties (e.g., question difficulty, diagnosticity of evidence) and social dynamics (network topology, communication norms).
• Multi-Option Dynamics: Extend existing binary models to multi-option topics to study how expanded option spaces qualitatively change belief dynamics and polarization patterns.
• Collaboration: Participate in the research activities of the 'Reasoning, Rationality and Science' group.
• Teachingduties: Conducting one course each semester

• Degree: An excellent M.A. degree (or equivalent) in Philosophy with a focus on formal methods.
• Specialization: The level of specialization should ideally be advanced PhD level, with documented research experience and strong background in social and formal epistemology, as well as agent-based modeling.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages relevant to ABM (e.g., NetLogo, R, or Python).
• Formal Skills: Competence in formal methods such as Game Theory, Social Choice Theory, and Bayesian Epistemology.
• Language: Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: by

We offer:

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
• Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
• Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team

Flexible working hours and support for professional development.

Further information:

The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L).If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade TV-L 13 TV-L.

Further information can be found at (in German).

The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).

RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). />The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.