Frederic Hopp

Leibniz Institute for Psychology Information (ZPID) in Trier, Germany, is offering a postdoctoral researcher position focused on using archived, high-quality psychological research data to model human behavior and cognition. The role is part of a project funded by the High-Tech-Agenda Rheinland-Pfalz and centers on the use of Large Language Models (LLMs) in psychology. The successful candidate will fine-tune and evaluate open-source LLMs, build psychological benchmark databases for training and testing, and document and publish the results in academic journals and proceedings. Key tasks include retrieving, preprocessing, and curating psychological survey, experimental, and (neuro)physiological datasets; fine-tuning and evaluating LLMs; writing empirical papers; and supervising research assistants. The position is embedded in ZPID’s open-science environment, alongside research groups in science reception, psychological meta-science, and big data in psychology. This is a full-time position at TV-L E13 salary level for 24 months , with an annual special payment and supplementary pension benefits. ZPID also highlights a cutting-edge computational infrastructure, friendly teamwork, flexible hours, partial remote work, and access to Trier University facilities. Applicants should hold a PhD in computational psychology, computer science, or a related field . Experience with employing, fine-tuning, and evaluating LLMs is required, together with an interest in data science and cognitive AI. Strong English skills are required; German is an advantage. The preferred start date is as soon as possible after 1 January 2027 . Applications are accepted online until 24 November 2026 . Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV, degree certificates, and two references or contact details for referees.