PhD in Developmental Psychology with a focus on the development of metacognitive skills
The Faculty of Psychology at the University of Basel is advertising a PhD position in Developmental Psychology focused on the development of metacognitive skills across childhood and adolescence.
The successful candidate will join the Human Development group and contribute to a research program examining how metacognitive monitoring and regulation develop over time, including children’s and adolescents’ ability to judge their own understanding, detect uncertainty and errors, and adapt learning strategies. The project places special emphasis on complex learning tasks such as text comprehension and reasoning, and also explores how young people use AI-based tools when uncertain and how they recognize when external support is needed.
Research will combine cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches. Data collection will primarily take place in schools, where participants complete computer-based learning tasks. The role offers the chance to develop expertise in developmental research methods, educational research, longitudinal design, and advanced statistical analysis, including work with R and potentially programming for computerized tasks.
The position is well suited to candidates with a strong background in psychology, a keen interest in learning and development, and the ability to work collaboratively with children, adolescents, schools, and teachers. The role also includes dissemination through publications, conference presentations, reports, and science communication, as well as contributions to teaching and supervision.
Applicants should have a very good master’s degree in Psychology, strong methodological and statistical skills, proficiency in English and German, and an interest in school-based developmental research. Experience with longitudinal or developmental studies is an advantage.
The appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of extension for three additional years after positive evaluation. The application deadline is 2026-08-12. In-person interviews are scheduled for 2026-09-16 in Basel.
Applications must be submitted through the online portal as a single PDF including a cover letter, transcripts, degree certificates, and the contact details of one academic referee.
