PhD Position in Conspiracy Beliefs and Political Violence, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Germany

Summary

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is offering a 48-month, part-time (75%) PhD position starting March 1, 2027, within the DFG Research Group 'Beyond Madness'. Based in the Working Group for Communication and Media Psychology at the Institute for Communication Science, the project investigates how and why conspiracy beliefs foster political violence, drawing on social and justice psychology framework using experimental methodologies. Key duties include coordinating the research project, planning and evaluating experimental studies, further developing experimental games, publishing in academic journals, and completing a doctoral degree. Candidates must hold a master's degree in psychology, political science, communication science, or a related field, alongside advanced experimental research methodology skills and strong English proficiency. Remuneration is according to TV-L E13.

Key Facts

Employer	Friedrich Schiller University Jena
Department	Arbeitsgruppe für Kommunikations- und Medienpsychologie am Institut für Kommunikationswissenschaft
Position Type	PhD position
Discipline	Psychology, Political Science, Communication Science, or related fields
Research Area	Conspiracy Beliefs and Political Violence
Degree Required	Master degree in psychology, political science, communication science or a related discipline
Salary	TV-L E13
Funding	Public service collective agreement salary (TV-L E13)
Contract Duration	48 months
Language	Very good English skills, good German skills are an advantage
Deadline	2026-11-29
Employer Contact	Prof. Dr. Tobias Rothmund ([email protected])
Employer Address	Fürstengraben 1, 07743, Thuringia

About the Project

The research project titled '(How and why) does conspiracy belief lay the groundwork for political violence?' examines the conditions under which conspiracy beliefs increase willingness to engage in political violence and what psychological or societal functions this relationship fulfills. Methodologically, the project relies on experimental psychology studies and experimental games embedded in a larger interdisciplinary DFG research network.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinating the research project together with the project leadership
• Independently planning, conducting, and evaluating experimental studies
• Developing and refining an experimental game to study conspiracy beliefs
• Publishing studies in scientific journals and presenting results at international conferences
• Working on a scientific qualification project (doctoral thesis)

Required Skills

• Completed university degree in psychology, political science, communication science, or a related field
• Advanced knowledge of experimental research methodology
• Very good spoken and written English language skills
• Good spoken and written German language skills (advantageous)
• Prior knowledge in experimental games, justice psychology research, or programming research environments (advantageous)

Who Should Apply

Graduates holding a master's degree in psychology, political science, communication science, or a related discipline who have strong knowledge of experimental research methodology and proficiency in English. Candidates with previous experience in experimental games, justice psychology research, or programming research environments are particularly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

• Remuneration according to TV-L E13 regulations, including a special annual payment
• Excellent facilities and infrastructure at a top research location
• Integration into an internationally well-networked research group
• Comprehensive training and continuing education program, including through the Graduate Academy and the research group
• 30 days of annual leave plus off-days on December 24 and 31

About the Employer

Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovative central German university with approximately 17,000 students and 10,000 employees. It is known for its research excellence profile lines Light – Life – Liberty and close interdisciplinary networks with research institutions, companies, and cultural organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 29, 2026.

When does the position start and what is the contract duration?

The position starts on March 1, 2027, and is fixed-term for a duration of 48 months.

What is the working time percentage and salary scale?

It is a part-time position (75% / 30 hours per week) paid according to TV-L Entgeltgruppe 13.

Who can I contact if I have questions about the position?

You can contact Prof. Dr. Tobias Rothmund at [email protected].