The Physics Education Department at the IPN - Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education invites applicants for the following position in Kiel, starting December 2026 or later:

The position is funded for three years.

The position is affiliated with the Kiel Science Communication Network (KielSCN; kielscn.de), an inter- and transdisciplinary research center where we investigate emotional and trust-related processes underlying how public audiences receive and process scientific information. As part of this research agenda, the advertised postdoctoral position focuses on emotional processes and investigates how discrete emotions such as fear, hope, or anger influence the reception of scientific information, judgments, or decision-making, and how these momentary reactions develop into more stable emotional dispositions and attitudes over time. Methodologically, the research program combines experimental approaches with intensive longitudinal designs, particularly experience sampling, to investigate emotional processes within individuals across contexts and over time.

Your responsibilities:

• Design, plan, conduct, and analyze experimental studies and intensive longitudinal studies (e.g., experience sampling), including the application of advanced statistical methods (e.g., multilevel modeling)

• Publish and present your research at leading international conferences and in high-impact international peer-reviewed journals; communicate research findings to diverse audiences through a variety of science communication formats and channels

• Develop your own research agenda, contribute to the acquisition of third-party funding, and participate in the preparation of competitive grant proposals

• Collaborate closely with the KielSCN knowledge brokers to translate research findings into evidence-informed, practice-oriented formats, tools, and recommendations for science communication practice

• Supervise and mentor doctoral researchers as well as research staff within the project and the department

Your Profile:

• A university degree (Master's or equivalent) and a Ph.D. in science communication, psychology, or a related discipline

• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative research methods and statistical analyses

• Strong project management skills, including the ability to lead and coordinate research activities in interdisciplinary settings, contribute to grant applications, and supervise doctoral researchers

• A strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals

• Proficiency in English at a minimum of CEFR B2 level, both written and spoken, is required.

The following qualifications are considered an advantage:

• Experience in acquiring third-party research funding

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to engage with diverse public audiences and communicate scientific findings in an accessible manner

• An interdisciplinary mindset and experience collaborating across disciplinary boundaries

• proficiency in German (CEFR B1 level)

You are further expected to have teamwork skills, integrity, resilience, and flexibility, as well as a service orientation and an independent and very conscientious working style.

We offer:

• an interesting, well-equipped workplace

• a varied job in a dynamic and challenging work environment

• flexible working time models and family-friendly working conditions certified according to the audit berufundfamilie® (work and family audit) including the option to work remotely

• support for professional and personal development through a variety of continuing professional development programs

• retirement benefits for the public sector (VBL)

• opportunities within the framework of occupational health management, such as Hansefit

• NAH-SH job ticket

Interested?

Interested?
Then please send your application with the usual documents (curriculum vitae, certificates, proof of the required qualifications) using the keyword "2026-002" as one PDF document by email to the Human Resources Department of the IPN: bewerbung@leibniz-ipn.de by 27.09.2026.

Only applications with all of these documents will be considered. We ask you to refrain from sending applications with photographs.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Melanie Keller: keller@leibniz-ipn.de

About us:

The IPN - Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education, based in Kiel and Berlin, is one of the most renowned educational research institutes with currently approximately 190 employees. The IPN investigates mathematics, computer science and science education processes across the lifespan. It promotes such processes through research, development and transfer.

The IPN strives to increase the qualification opportunities for women in research as well as the proportion of women in areas of responsibility in which women have been underrepresented up to now. Women are therefore given priority in cases of equal suitability.

The IPN is committed to the employment of people with disabilities. People with severe disabilities and their equals will be given preferential consideration if they have the appropriate professional qualifications.

We look forward to receiving your application - regardless of nationality, ethnic and social background, religion and ideology, age, and sexual orientation and identity.