Doctoral Research Position (m/f/x)
Saarland University is a campus university that is internationally recognized for its strong research programmes. Fostering young academic talent and creating ideal conditions for teaching and research are a core part of the university’s mission. As part of the University of the Greater Region, Saarland University enables students and staff to share and exchange knowledge and ideas between disciplines, between universities and across borders. With over 17,000 national and international students, studying more than a hundred different academic disciplines, Saarland University is a diverse and dynamic learning environment. Saarland University is officially recognized as one of Germany’s family-friendly higher-education institutions and with a combined workforce of more than 4,000 it is one of the largest employers in the region.
The Research Training Group (RTG) 2988 “Flexibility and Balance as Characteristics of Adaptive Self-Regulation”, funded by the DFG (German Research Foundation), is located in the Departments of Psychology and Educational Sciences in the Faculty of the Empirical Humanities and Economics. Both departments offer high quality study programs and the RTG provides an attractive complement to other graduate training programs in the (digital) humanities at Saarland University. The Research Training Group 2988 is inviting applications for the following positions commencing 01 October 2026
Doctoral Research Position (m/f/x)
Reference number W2843, salary in accordance with the German TV-L salary scale[1], pay grade: E13 TV- L, duration of employment: 4 years, volume of employment: 75 % of standard working time.
Workplace/Department:
The Research Training Group 2988 “Flexibility and Balance as Characteristics of Adaptive Self-Regulation” investigates the roles that a) flexibility (in the context-dependent application of self-regulatory competencies) and b) balance (vs. imbalance in different considerations relevant to self-regulatory behavior) play in self-regulatory performance and well-being. In its next phase, the RTG will feature 11 distinct but related research projects from a broad spectrum of subdisciplines in psychology and the educational sciences. We are currently accepting applications for seven of these projects. The doctoral positions offer the unique opportunity of participating in a stimulating scientific context. We offer a comprehensive, high-quality qualification and supervision program for the PhD students in the RTG including scientific and methodological training conducive to academic but also nonacademic careers and possibilities for international research stays. There will be joint activities for the PhD students and events for all RTG members to foster collaboration and communication. In addition to the RTG environment, each PhD student will be integrated into the workgroup of their primary supervisor.
A first cohort of 11 PhD students started their projects in October 2024. We now recruit an additional 7 PhD students who will start in October 2026. These 7 PhD students will conduct their research in research projects that are embedded in the broader context of the RTG. You can simultaneously apply for up to three RTG PhD positions with one application. Please indicate your order of preference in your application.
Research projects and primary supervisors:
F1. Self-regulatory flexibility between daily dynamics and personality characteristics (Malte Friese)
F2. A longitudinal perspective on self-regulated learning: Do students adjust self-regulated learning
strategies flexibly over one school year? (Laura Dörrenbächer-Ulrich & Franziska Perels)
F5. The impact of childhood maltreatment and neglect of infants on the ability to cope flexibly with new traumatic experiences (Anselm Crombach)
F6. Flexible self-regulation in the context of real-life goals: Do you get what you really want? (Frank Spinath)
B2. Using breaks to balance goals at work (Cornelius König)
B3. Exploring (im)balances between reward- and control-related brain activity: An EEG/ERP-based brain-as-predictor approach (Axel Mecklinger)
B5. Balance in attentional processes on competing goals – The role of working memory (Dirk Wentura)
For more information on the RTG, the research projects, and the application procedure, see https://www.flexbar.org
Job requirements and responsibilities:
Your job will be to carry out research with international impact in the research fields of the RTG. You will develop your doctoral project in cooperation with your supervisors within the research program of the RTG.
The position is designed to enable you to obtain a PhD within four years or faster.
While Saarland University allows for some remote working, regular on-site presence is essential. Applicants must either live within commuting distance of the Saarbrücken campus or be willing to move to the area.
Your academic qualifications:
- Completed university studies in psychology or a related discipline (a completed Master’s degree).
- Language skills (according to GER): English C1
The successful candidate will also be expected to:
- Enthusiasm for psychological research and interest in at least one research focus of the RTG.
- Very good methodological skills.
- Joy in working reliably, independently and with commitment.
- Interest in developing and implementing research ideas in a team.
- Willingsness to implement criteria of open and transparent research in their own research (e.g. preregistrations, open materials, code and data.)
- Language skills (according to GER): Only for project F5: French – B2
What we can offer you:
- A flexible work schedule allowing you to balance work and family, among other things the possibility of teleworking
- Secure and future-oriented employment with attractive conditions
- A broad range of further education and professional development programmes (for example language courses)
- An occupational health management model with numerous attractive options, such as our university sports programme
- Supplementary pension scheme (RZVK)
- Discounted tickets on local public transport services (‘Job-Ticket‘ of the saarVV)
- Job bike leasing (JobRad)
We look forward to receiving your meaningful online application (in one single PDF file, including a motivation letter with your order of preference for at least one and up to three research projects you would like to apply for, a curriculum vitae, contact information of two scientific reference persons, diplomas and certificates) by 31.05.2026 to info@flexbar.org. Please include the reference number W2843 in the subject line of the e-mail.
If you have any questions, please contact us for assistance. Your contacts:
Prof. Dr. Malte Friese and Dr. Karolin Gieseler
https://flexbar.org | info@flexbar.org
Tel.: 0681-302-4749
Pay grade classification is based on the particular details of the position held and the extent to which the applicant meets the requirements of the pay grade within the TV-L salary scale. Part-time employment is generally possible.
If you have obtained a foreign university degree, a proof of the equivalence of this degree with a German degree by the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen (ZAB) is needed before hiring. If necessary, please apply for this in time. You can find more information at https://www.kmk.org/zeugnisbewertung.
Unfortunately, neither costs for attending an interview at Saarland University nor costs for any certificate evaluation by the ZAB can be reimbursed in principle.
We welcome applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, and sexual orientation and identity. In accordance with its policy of increasing the proportion of women, the University actively encourages applications from women. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability.
When you submit a job application to Saarland University you will be transmitting personal data. Please refer to our privacy notice for information on how we collect and process personal data in accordance with Art. 13 of the Datenschutz-Grundverordnung. By submitting your application you confirm that you have taken note of the information in the Saarland University privacy notice.
[1] TV-L = collective agreement on remuneration of public sector employees in the German Länder