About the Position

The iSearch Lab, led by Prof. Dr. Dr. Azzurra Ruggeri, investigates how children and adults actively seek, select, and evaluate information to learn about the world. The lab combines behavioral, computational, and cross-cultural approaches to study curiosity, exploration, and reasoning across the lifespan, with a particular emphasis on ecological active learning—how learners interact dynamically with their environments to acquire knowledge and make decisions.

This is an open-topic position for doctoral or postdoctoral researchers who wish to pursue their own research ideas within the broad thematic areas of the lab. Rather than focusing on a predefined project, the position offers the opportunity to develop and conduct independent research that aligns with the lab’s interests in active learning, information search, decision-making, and cognition from a developmental perspective.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Prof. Ruggeri and an interdisciplinary, international team, contributing to a creative and supportive research environment. We especially welcome applicants whose research ideas or methodological expertise bring new perspectives or complement existing projects, further advancing the lab’s mission to understand how humans learn, decide, and explore.

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification:
  • For Doctoral Candidate: Applicants must hold, or expect to obtain, a diploma or master’s degree (or equivalent) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related discipline before the start date.
  • For Postdoctoral Researcher: Applicants must have completed, or be about to complete, a PhD (doctoral degree) in Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related discipline.
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities. Candidates should be able to work independently and possess excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Full-Time Commitment: The position requires full-time commitment with a physical presence at TUM. Teleworking is not permitted. Candidates must reside in Munich or be willing to relocate to Munich.
• Educational Background/Training: The ideal candidate needs to hold (or expect to hold by the start date) a diploma or master's degree in Psychology, Cognitive Science or related disciplines. Experience in studying information search and active learning is desirable, as well as knowledge of behavioral coding programs (e.g., Datavyu) and mastering of statistical methods and programming languages (e.g., R, Python). Experience with online data collection and survey platforms (e.g., Qualtrics) is highly valued.

Selection Process

• Application Submission: Applications must be submitted by 23 November 2025.
• Selection Criteria: Candidates will be evaluated based on academic background, research experience, and alignment with the lab’s research agenda. The process is open, transparent, merit-based, impartial, and equitable.
• Interview: Shortlisted candidates 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 will include diverse experts ensuring gender balance, nationality diversity, and relevant experience.

Benefits

• Salary: The position offers a salary in accordance with TV‑L E13, with the doctoral candidate compensated at 65% and the postdoctoral researcher at 100%.
• Social Security & Pension: Full coverage under Germany’s social security and pension schemes.
• Professional Development: Access to high-quality training, networking opportunities, and career development support.
• Team: Opportunity to work in a dynamic, international research team.

Application Procedure

How to Apply: Submit your certificates, CV, cover letter (e.g., why are you interested joining iSearch team and your research proposal. Max three pages), and two reference letters to lab.isearch@sot.tum.de.

Documentation: Candidates may be required to provide proof of residency history and eligibility criteria.

Timeline: Interviews will take place by early December, and the final decision will be made by late December.

Additional Information

• VISA Support: Where applicable, assistance with VISA and relocation procedures will be provided.
• Contact: For more information, please contact:
  • Fatma Sila Cakmak – cakmak_sila@phd.ceu.edu
  • Dr. Laura Schlingloff-Nemecz – laura.schlingloff-nemecz@tum.de
• Equal Opportunity: We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our recruitment process, and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups and all qualified individuals, regardless of nationality, gender, disability status, or background.
• Note: The recruitment process will adhere strictly to the European Charter for Researchers principles and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.