The Leibniz Institute for Psychology Information (ZPID) in Trier (Germany) is an internationally recognized research-based psychology service center located in Trier (Germany) and belongs to the Leibniz Association. ZPID puts a strong emphasis on open science and is currently establishing research groups in science reception, psychological meta-science, and big data in psychology.

As part of the project funded by the High-Tech-Agenda Rheinland-Pfalz, we want to harness our archived, high-quality psychological research data for modeling human behavior and cognition using Large Language Models (LLMs). By harnessing and transforming ZPID’s large-scale archival research datasets and materials, the successful candidate will fine-tune and evaluate open-source LLMs for predicting human behavior and cognition, curate psychological benchmark databases for training and testing LLMs as well as document and publish the results in academic journals and proceedings.

Tasks:

• Fine-tuning and evaluation of Large Language Models using high-quality psychological research data and materials
• Retrieving, pre-processing, and curating psychological survey, experimental, and (neuro)physiological datasets
• Documenting results and writing empirical articles
• Supervising research assistants

• PhD in (computational) psychology, computer science (or a related field)
• Experienced in employing, fine-tuning, and evaluating Large Language Models
• Interest in data science and cognitive AI
• Profound English language skills (spoken and written), knowledge of German is an advantage

We offer:

• An exciting scientific environment with a cutting-edge computational infrastructure
• The opportunity to realize your own research ideas
• Excellent teamwork in a friendly and collegial atmosphere
• Family-friendly working conditions (certified by Audit berufundfamilie)
• Flexible hours and partial remote work
• Salary according to TV-L pay group E 13, including an annual special payment
• Supplementary pension scheme (VBL)
• Company health management
• Access to the facilities of Trier University

Please get in touch with Prof. Dr. Frederic Hopp (fhopp@leibniz-psychology.org) for further information on this position.

and upload the following documents (until November 24, 2026):

• Cover letter addressing the motivation for the application
• CV
• Relevant certificates of degree(s)
• Two references or names and contact details from people who are willing to provide a reference

ZPID is highly committed to the employment of people with disabilities. Severely disabled applicants are given preferential consideration provided they are qualified for the position. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified applicants irrespective of nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, age, or sexual orientation and identity.
We observe guidelines regarding laws and regulations governing part-time employment.

When applying for a position at ZPID, you will submit personal data. Please refer to our data protection statement in accordance with Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) regarding the collection and processing of personal data as part of your online application at our website. With submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have reviewed ZPID's data protection statement.

Please note that online applications will only be accepted until November 24, 2026 via the following URL: