Konrad Bocian

SWPS University is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to join a project on self-interest and perceived fairness in algorithmic and human decision-making . The position is embedded in a research team working on the psychological foundations of moral judgment and fairness, with a strong emphasis on open science and rigorous experimental design. The successful candidate will work on a multi-study behavioral research program that examines how people evaluate fairness in decisions made by algorithms and humans. The project focuses on the psychological mechanisms behind self-interest bias, including factors such as psychological distance, perspective-taking, and perceived competence, and on ways to reduce this bias in high-stakes contexts such as recruitment, healthcare, and education. The role is highly research-intensive and includes designing and conducting experimental studies, developing theory-driven research paradigms, managing the full research process, implementing studies on online platforms, ensuring data quality, running advanced statistical analyses, and contributing to a coherent publication program. The postdoc will collaborate closely with the project leader while working with a high degree of scientific independence, and will also support the development of PhD students in the team. The advertised project sits at the intersection of moral psychology, decision-making, and human–AI interaction, with the broader aim of understanding and increasing trust in algorithmic decision-making. The position also involves conference presentations and dissemination activities within an active research environment at SWPS University. More information about the research environment is available on the Egocentric Morality Lab website.

This postdoctoral position at SWPS University in Poland offers an exciting opportunity to join a research team investigating fairness judgments in algorithmic and human decision-making. The project, led by Associate Professor Konrad Bocian, focuses on the psychological foundations of trust in artificial intelligence, specifically examining how self-interest influences fairness perceptions and leads to systematic biases in evaluating decisions made by both humans and algorithmic systems. The research involves a series of experimental behavioral studies designed to identify when and why self-interest bias occurs, the psychological mechanisms underlying it (such as psychological distance, perspective-taking, and perceived competence), and strategies to reduce bias in high-stakes contexts like recruitment, healthcare, and education. The project integrates approaches from moral psychology, decision-making, and human–AI interaction to enhance understanding and acceptance of algorithmic decision-making. As a postdoctoral researcher, you will independently design and conduct experimental studies, manage research areas, develop theory-driven paradigms, and oversee the full research process including study design, preregistration, data collection, and analysis. You will program and implement studies using online platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Prolific), ensure high data quality, conduct advanced statistical analyses (moderation, mediation), synthesize findings, and contribute to multi-stage publication projects. Open science practices such as preregistration, data sharing, and transparent reporting are integral to the project. The position also involves close collaboration with the project leader, supporting PhD students, presenting research at international conferences, and engaging in dissemination activities. The research team is dedicated to rigorous experimental design and open science, with a strong emphasis on the role of self-interest in social judgments. Applicants must hold a PhD in psychology or related fields (behavioral sciences, cognitive science, experimental social sciences), obtained within the last 7 years, and have at least 2–3 years of research experience in experimental psychology. Essential qualifications include a strong publication record, expertise in experimental design and behavioral methods, advanced statistical skills (R, SPSS, Python), experience with online research platforms, familiarity with open science practices, and English proficiency at B2 level or higher. Preferred qualifications include leadership in independent research projects, first-author publications, experience in social/moral psychology, fairness or human–AI interaction, large-scale online and cross-cultural studies, advanced experimental paradigms, grant-funded research, international collaboration, and supervision of junior researchers. The position offers a full-time employment contract until July 1, 2030, with a gross monthly salary of PLN 11,666.66. Additional benefits include bonuses for highly rated publications, discounts on educational programs for employees and their families, subsidized healthcare, gym and fitness packages, low-interest housing loans, professional development opportunities (including Erasmus+), psychological support, and a points-based rewards program. To apply, submit your application via the online recruitment form, including a CV, scanned diplomas, certificate of English proficiency, research statement, and reference letter. The deadline for submission is May 27, 2026. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview, and successful candidates will be announced on June 19, 2026, with the position commencing on July 1, 2026. For further information, contact Zuzanna Świtalska at [email protected], referencing ref. no. 1161/IP/SPT/26. More details about the research group can be found at the Egocentric Morality Lab .

SWPS University, a leading non-public academic institution in Poland, invites applications for a postdoctoral position in Social Psychology and Behavioral Science, based at the Institute of Psychology in Sopot. The university is renowned for its active research centers and its distinction as an A+ category institution in psychology, politics, and administration. The research environment is open, multicultural, and committed to scientific excellence and societal impact. The postdoc will join a research team investigating the psychological foundations of fairness perceptions in algorithmic and human decision-making. The project, titled "Self-interest and perceived fairness in algorithmic and human decision-making: Psychological foundations of trust in artificial intelligence," focuses on how self-interest influences fairness judgments and leads to systematic biases. The research integrates approaches from moral psychology, decision-making, and human–AI interaction, aiming to identify psychological mechanisms (such as psychological distance, perspective-taking, and perceived competence) and reduce self-interest bias in high-stakes contexts like recruitment, healthcare, and education. Key duties include independently designing and conducting experimental studies, developing theory-driven research paradigms, managing the full research process (study design, preregistration, data collection, analysis), programming studies on online platforms (Qualtrics, Prolific, BeSample), ensuring high data quality, conducting advanced statistical analyses (moderation, mediation), synthesizing findings, leading publication projects, engaging in open science practices, collaborating closely with the project leader, supporting PhD students, and presenting at international conferences. Applicants must hold a PhD in social sciences (psychology or related fields) obtained within the last 7 years, with at least 2–3 years of research experience in experimental psychology or behavioral sciences. Essential qualifications include a strong publication record, expertise in experimental design and behavioral methods, advanced statistical skills (R, SPSS, Python), experience with online research platforms, familiarity with open science, and English proficiency at B2 level or higher. Preferred qualifications include leadership in research projects, first-author publications, experience in fairness, judgment, or human–AI interaction, large-scale and cross-cultural studies, advanced open science practices, grant-funded research, international collaboration, and supervision of junior researchers. The position offers a full-time employment contract until July 1, 2030, with a gross monthly salary of PLN 11,666.66. Additional benefits include bonuses for highly rated publications, discounts on educational programs and language courses, professional development via Erasmus+, psychological support, low-interest housing loans, fitness and healthcare packages, employee rewards, subsidized glasses, and group life insurance. Required documents: CV with academic achievements, scanned diplomas (Master’s and PhD in Psychology), certificate of English proficiency, research statement (max. 2 pages), and reference letter. Applications should be submitted electronically via the application form. The deadline for submission is May 27, 2026. For further information, contact Zuzanna Świtalska at [email protected] and visit the project website . Successful candidates will be announced on June 19, 2026, and the position commences July 1, 2026. The Competition Committee, chaired by Associate Professor Konrad Bocian, will evaluate candidates based on academic achievements, project-relevant competencies, and distinctions from scientific work. Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.