Postdoctoral Researcher in Social Psychology (f/m/d)

The University of Bonn is an international research university with a wide education and research profile. With a 200-year history, approximately 31,500 students, more than 6,000 staff, and an excellent reputation at home and abroad, the University of Bonn is one of the most important universities in Germany and is recognized as a
University of Excellence.

The Social and Legal Psychology II Group, led by Prof. Dr. Alexa Weiss, at the Department of Psychology invites applications for the position of a Postdoctoral Researcher (full time) to start at the earliest date possible and initially limited to 3 years according to § 2 (1) WissZeitVG with the possibility of extension. The Social and Legal Psychology II Group investigates moral judgment and moral behavior employing methodology from experimental (social) psychology and behavioral economics. The successful candidate will conduct research in the area and contribute to the research within the project Delegation funded by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant, Prof. Dr. Alexa Weiss).

Your tasks:
• Contribute to current and future research projects of the Social and Legal Psychology II Group, especially in moral psychology
• Develop and conduct research in moral psychology, social psychology, or legal psychology; develop an independent research profile
• Teaching in the study programs at the Department of Psychology (2-4 weekly hours during term time depending on funding composition)
• Data collection, analysis, and management
• Presentation of research results at national and international conferences and publication of research results in international scientific journals (predominantly in English language)
• Contribute to the research culture and the national and international network of the group and the Department of Psychology
• Academic service within the Department of Psychology and the Social and Legal Psychology II Group

Your profile:
• MSc/MA and PhD (or equivalent) in psychology or a related discipline
• Experience or interest in psychological research in one or multiple of the following areas: moral psychology, social impression formation, judgment and decision making, behavioral economics, emotions, close relationships, legal psychology
• Methodological skills in at least one of the following areas are desirable:
experimental methods, social dilemmas, multinomial modeling, reaction time methods, memory processes, experience sampling, daily-diary methodology
• Experience with writing and publication of manuscripts in international scientific journals with peer review
• Experience with survey software; advanced statistical skills and experience with appropriate software (e.g., R)
• Experience in or willingness to contribute to third-party funding applications
• Experience with teaching in the area of social psychology and/or legal psychology in higher education contexts and very good didactic skills or willingness to acquire them
• Excellent command of English in writing and speaking (German language: optional)
• A team player, flexibility, self-organization, initiative, willingness to engage with new areas and research methods

What we offer:
• A fixed-term position for three years with the possibility of extension
• An inspiring, interdisciplinary research environment with a broad network within the Department of Psychology and the excellence clusters at the University of Bonn (e.g., ECONtribute)
• The possibility to advance one’s research and teaching skills and to develop an independent research profile
• A multifaceted, challenging job with one of the largest employers in the region
• Occupational pension scheme (VBL)
• Many options available for university sports
• Excellent access by public transport thanks to the central location in Bonn as well as the opportunity to take advantage of low-cost parking
• Flexible working hours and possibility to work from home
• Renumeration according to pay group 13 TV-L.

The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a family-friendly university. The University of Bonn seeks to increase female representation in staffing areas where women are underrepresented and to provide special career support. It thus expressly encourages qualified women to apply.
Applications will be handled in accordance with the NRW State Gender Equality Act (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz, LGG NRW). Applications from qualified candidates with a certified severe disability or from those of equal status are especially welcome.

Please send your complete application in German or English language (including curriculum vitae, cover letter, certificates, 1-2 writing samples/manuscripts) in a single PDF file and quoting reference 2025/234 to [email protected] by February 22, 2026. Should you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Alexa Weiss ( [email protected] ). We are looking forward to your application!