Heidelberg University, Germany, is hiring a postdoctoral researcher and lab manager to set up and run the EthicsLab, a behavioural lab based at the Institute for Philosophy and the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials.
Applications are reviewed starting November 1, 2026, and the position remains open until it is filled. The job announcement reads:
Heidelberg University is one of Europe’s leading research institutions. At the Institute for Philosophy and the Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, we are looking for a
Post-doctoral researcher and lab manager (f/m/d)
The position
- Conducting independent interdisciplinary research
- Setting up and managing a behavioural lab (“EthicsLab”), which offers researchers (including yourself) the resources to conduct empirical research into questions relating to ethics
- Teaching students in philosophy and science programmes as specified by the teaching load ordinance (LVVO), which is currently 4 hours per week (2 courses) during term time
- Collaborating with colleagues across disciplines and institutions
- Writing collaborative or solo grant applications
- Contributing to administration and participating in activities at the two institutes
Your profile
- You have a PhD in experimental philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, or a similar field
- You conduct high-quality independent research as evidenced by publications in internationally leading journals or presses
- You employ methods from the behavioural or cognitive sciences to conduct research into questions relating to ethics, e.g. in moral psychology, social epistemology, or applied ethics
- You are able and keen to direct the EthicsLab
- You collaborate with philosophers and scientists alike
- Documented experience in teaching and supervising students in both philosophy and science is an asset
- A successful track record of securing third-party funding is an asset
What we offer
- A fully funded position, starting 1 April 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter. The initial appointment is limited to three years and may be extended for a further three years. Salary is in the German E13 pay range (currently ca. €66,000/year before tax, depending on experience). On top, employment includes social security and child benefits, health insurance, pension, and sick pay. The position can be shared.
- Possibility to temporarily reduce the teaching load
- An English-speaking academic community; German language skills are not required
- A dynamic, collegial, and interdisciplinary working environment
- Opportunities to supervise students, if desired
- Opportunity for ‘Habilitation,’ if desired
- Support programmes for early-career researchers (career coaching, mentoring, networking, etc)
To apply, please send your application in either English or German (CV, certificates, list of publications, two publications (10–30 pages each), a research statement of max one page, a teaching portfolio including a complete list of classes taught and student evaluations, contact details of three referees) in one PDF document to office-heinzelmann@uni-heidelberg.de. We begin reviewing applications on 1 November 2026 until the position has been filled (soft deadline). For questions regarding the position, please contact Alex Wiegmann at ps356@uni-heidelberg.de.
Heidelberg University is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given priority in cases of equal qualification. Information on job vacancies and data protection can be found at: www.uni-heidelberg.de/stellenmarkt.