About us:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the second funding phase of the META-REP project: "From ‘Academic works’ to ‘Working in academia’: Analyzing reform proposals in an agent-based modelling approach" (DFG SCHO1334/6-2; Felix Schönbrodt & Richard McElreath). This project leverages Agent-Based Models (ABMs) to simulate and analyze the complex dynamics of academia, with the goal of understanding how reforms can improve research quality and working conditions for researchers. In this phase, we focus on the people behind the research—their demographics, life histories, and strategic choices—while examining the interplay between researchers, institutions, funders, and research assessment practices. The project is committed to generating actionable insights for reforming academic practices.

Wir suchen Sie:

Postdoctoral Research Position (m/f/x)

am Standort München

Das sind Ihre Aufgaben:

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will play a key role in developing, implementing, and analyzing Agent-Based Models (ABMs):

• Develop and refine ABMs to simulate academic environments.
• Do work in theory development, e.g. by providing precise definitions.
• Search the literature for information to calibrate the ABMs with real-world empirical data.
• Conduct computational experiments to address key research questions related to the structural and institutional aspects of academia.
• Prepare publications and present findings at international conferences.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers and contribute to the broader goals of the META-REP project.

Das sind Sie:

The ideal candidate has the following qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant field, such as Psychology, Computational Social Science, Sociology, Meta-Science, Economics, or related areas.
• Experience with Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) and computational simulation techniques.
• Strong programming skills (e.g., R, Python, NetLogo, or similar).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Familiarity with empirical research methods, particularly in meta-science or related fields.
• Experience in working with large datasets.
• The ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of academic structures, funding systems, and reform proposals.
• Familiarity with the principles of open and reproducible research.
• English fluency is required. Working language will be German or English.

Candidates with a strong willingness to learn and grow - even if they don't meet all of the listed
qualifications yet - are encouraged to apply and show their potential to contribute to our team.

Das ist unser Angebot:

With multiple million € of funding and a time frame of 6 years, the priority program META-REP is at the forefront of meta-science research. As an interdisciplinary project, we offer rich collaboration opportunities with other researchers passionate about meta-science; networking and scientific exchange is thriving in the annual META-REP conferences and the cross-cutting projects within the program.
Furthermore, we are closely connected to the LMU Open Science Center, which is the first interdisciplinary center for open science founded at a university in Germany, a vibrant network of practitioners dedicated to the principles of open and reproducible research.

Schwerbehinderte Personen werden bei im Wesentlichen gleicher Qualifikation bevorzugt.

Kontakt:

Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter, in English or in German, outlining their relevant experience and motivation for the position as a PDF to felix.schoenbrodt@psy.lmu.de, with the subject line: ‘Application for ABM’ by 2025-01-06.

LMU aims to increase the proportion of women in academic positions and therefore strongly encourages female scientists to apply. Disabled applicants will be given preference in the event of equal qualifications.

For inquiries, Prof. Dr. Felix Schönbrodt is available via email at felix.schoenbrodt@psy.lmu.de.
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