Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

The Psychological Methods Division (Prof. Dr. Tobias Koch) seeks to fill the position of a

Research Associate (f/m/d)

commencing on 01.10.2024 or earlier (asap). We offer a part-time position (75%, 30 hours per week), limited for three years (max. until 30. September 2027).

The position is part of the DFG project "Enhanced Assessment of Social and Health-Related Processes in Panel Studies through Event-Contingent Multimethod Experience Sampling Designs (SHERPA)".

The aim of the SHERPA project is to improve the measurement of social interactions and to examine their influence on health-related processes in representative panel studies through measurement burst designs. A particular focus is placed on the role of social interactions for mental and physical health. Within the SHERPA project, innovative technologies are used to assess social interactions in real-life situations and in real time. The project is conducted by an international research team (Germany, Spain) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Tobias Koch (Chair of Psychological Research Methods Division). The collected data will be integrated into existing representative panel data, particularly into the National Educational Panel Study (NEPS). In addition, suitable statistical methods for the analysis of these intensive multimethod longitudinal data will be developed and applied within the project.

The project will be conducted in close collaboration with Prof. Dr. Michaela Riediger (Chair of Developmental Psychology) and is part of the DFG Infrastructure Priority Programme “New Data Spaces for the Social Sciences” (SPP 2431). More information can be found: https://www.new-data-spaces.de/en-us/

We are seeking a qualified individual with solid knowledge in statistics and research methods, as well as a strong interest in the substantive questions of the project.

Your responsibilities:

• You coordinate, organize, and lead the data collection, ensuring continuous alignment and coordination between project partners and the NEPS development team
• You are responsible for data preparation, documentation, and archiving, and lead a team of student assistants
• You develop new statistical models under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Tobias Koch and conduct statistical data analyses
• You prepare scientific publications and conference contributions
• You participate in the self-administration of the chair and assist with exams
• You have the opportunity to work on your own scientific qualification project, such as a doctoral dissertation

Your profile:

• Excellent master’s in social sciences (ideally in psychology) or a closely related discipline (e.g. sociology, statistics, mathematics)
• Programming skills in one of the following programming languages: R, Stan, Python, Mplus, or Stata
• Excellent knowledge of quantitative data analysis in at least one of the following areas: 1) analysis of longitudinal data, 2) Bayesian estimation methods, 3) structural equation modeling / multilevel analysis, or 4) survival analysis and multistate/Markov models
• Fluency in German and English, written and spoken
• Advanced research skills and a strong interest in the topic of the project. Willingness to participate in further scientific and methodological training
• Taking responsibility, organizational skills, conscientiousness, commitment and the ability to work in a team
• Ideally, you have experience in the implementation and/or statistical data analysis of larger empirical research projects as well as experience with panel data

We offer:

• Participation in an innovative and internationally networked research project
• Responsible, interesting, and varied tasks with diverse design opportunities
• Opportunity for a publication-based Ph.D., dedicated supervision with relevant content and methodological expertise (Prof. Dr. Tobias Koch, Prof. Dr. Michaela Riediger)
• Integration into a supportive, well-organized, and internationally connected team
• Excellent equipment and infrastructure
• A comprehensive further and continuing education programme and individual qualification and development measures
• Attractive fringe benefits, e.g. capital formation benefits (VL) and an occupational pension (VBL)
• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) up to salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

For questions regarding the job advertisement or the project, please contact Prof. Dr. Tobias Koch at tobias.koch@uni-jena.de.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply in an informative, written application (letter of motivation, CV, high school and university certificates, reference letters if applicable) by May 15, 2024 using our online form