Research Associate (PhD position) (m/f/x) (Salary scale E 13 TV-L, 50%, fixed-term position for academic qualification in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG), for

The University of Trier conducts socially relevant research and teaching that addresses the challenges of

our time, with a strong focus on digitalisation, interdisciplinarity, and diversity. At the heart of its work

is the study of people and their relationships with society, law, business, and the environment. With

more than 10,000 students and approximately 2,000 employees, the University of Trier is one of the

largest employers in the European Greater Region. Its green campus, short distances, vibrant academic

community, and open, collaborative working culture provide an inspiring environment with ample

opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

At the Department of Psychology (Faculty I), Chair of Social Psychology, the following position is

available from 01.12.2026:

Research Associate (PhD position) (m/f/x)

(Salary scale E 13 TV-L, 50%, fixed-term position for academic qualification in accordance with

the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG), for a maximum duration of five

years.

The position is intended to support the completion of a doctoral degree (PhD).)

The Department of Social Psychology conducts socially relevant research and teaching at the forefront

of current developments, with a strong focus on political psychology (e.g., radicalization,

polarization, political trust, democratic backsliding, reconciliation).

Your Tasks

• Designing, preparing, conducting, and analyzing empirical research studies
• Presenting research at international conferences
• Publishing research findings in international peer-reviewed journals
• Developing and completing an independent doctoral research project (PhD)
• Contributing to teaching (4 semester hours per week)
• Supervising Bachelor’s theses
• Supporting the activities of the department
• Engaging in science communication and media coverage

Your Profile

The requirements for appointment are set out in Section 57 (2) and (3) of the Higher Education Act

(HochSchG).

• An excellent university degree (M.Sc. or equivalent) in Psychology, Political Science, or

Sociology

• Strong motivation, reliability, and the ability to work independently
• Experience in empirical research
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent knowledge of statistics and data analysis (SPSS, R)

A pplications are requested in a single PDF file by September 1, 2026.

Please submit your application by email to: Contact for further information

walther@uni-trier.de Prof. Dr Eva Walther

University of Trier Tel.: +49 651 201-2846

Faculty I – Psychology Email: walther@uni-trier.de

Attn: Prof. Dr Eva Walther www.uni-trier.de

54286 Trier, Germany

We offer

• The opportunity to work in a diverse and collaborative research group with national and

international research networks

• A responsible and valued position
• The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree (PhD)
• Regular participation in international conferences and scientific meetings
• Involvement in innovative interdisciplinary research spanning social psychology, political

science, and broader societal issues

• A collegial, supportive, and inspiring working environment
• Support for your professional development and academic qualifications
• Flexible working hours (by arrangement)

Requirements

The University of Trier is committed to increasing the proportion of female employees and strongly

encourages women to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities and persons with equivalent status

pursuant to Section 2 (3) of the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will be given preference if they are

equally qualified (please enclose appropriate documentation).

Please submit the usual application documents (CV, letter of motivation, certificates) as a single PDF

file by 1 September 2026 to the contact person specified in the footer.

Please do not submit application documents in folders or protective covers, and only provide

uncertified copies, as application documents will not be returned but will be destroyed in compliance

with data protection regulations. Further information on the processing of your personal data can be

found in the privacy notice for application procedures pursuant to Article 13 of the General Data

Protection Regulation (GDPR) on our website.

Application deadline: 1 September 2026

A pplications are requested in a single PDF file by September 1, 2026.

Please submit your application by email to: Contact for further information

walther@uni-trier.de Prof. Dr Eva Walther

University of Trier Tel.: +49 651 201-2846

Faculty I – Psychology Email: walther@uni-trier.de

Attn: Prof. Dr Eva Walther www.uni-trier.de

54286 Trier, Germany