PhD/or postdoctoral researcher (all genders welcome)
At the Georg-August-Universität Göttingen Stiftung Öffentlichen Rechts – Institut für Informatik, 3 positions as PhD/or postdoctoral researcher (all genders welcome) - Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L - in full-time (suitable for part-time) are to be filled at the earliest possible date. The positions are limited until . Our research project with the title The sense of control in natural and artificial intelligence lies at the intersection of machine learning, cognitive science, and computational neuroscience. We ask: How do biological systems make intelligent decisions? and How can we design artificial systems that do the same? To answer these questions, we combine computational modeling with experimental investigation to study how psychological constructs—including surprise, curiosity, agency, and the sense of control—shape intelligent decision-making.
Current research directions include:
computational modeling and behavioral experiments on learning and decision-making in humans and animals; theory-guided and applied reinforcement learning; human-AI interaction and human-aligned AI; and computational approaches to mental health.
The opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree is available and is actively supported.
The precise research directions advertised in each application cycle may vary. Further information is available on our website: https://modirlab.github.io/research.html
Your profile We welcome applicants with strong backgrounds in one or more of the following areas:
cognitive science; machine learning, particularly reinforcement learning; computational neuroscience; human-AI interaction mathematics, physics, computer science; engineering, or a related quantitative field.
We value intellectual curiosity, creativity, independence, collaboration, and either strong analytical and computational skills or expertise in experimental design and behavioral data analysis. An excellent command of English is required. PhD applicants should hold, or expect to obtain before starting, a relevant Master’s degree. Postdoctoral applicants should hold, or expect to obtain before starting, a PhD in a relevant discipline. Supervisory experience is desirable for postdoctoral candidates.
Candidates are not expected to have expertise in all the areas listed above. Further information on the methodologies commonly used in our research is available on our website: https://modirlab.github.io/research.html
What we offer You will join a young, interdisciplinary, and growing laboratory with the opportunity to help shape its scientific direction and culture. We offer:
An open, collaborative, and supportive lab culture where your well-being comes before any paper or deadline. Freedom to pursue ambitious, interdisciplinary research. Close mentorship with regular one-on-one meetings and multiple forms of feedback. Opportunities to mentor students and take on teaching responsibilities. A strong network of collaborators in Germany and beyond, including in Switzerland, the UK, and the US. Support for conference travel, scientific exchange, and career development. For postdocs, support in applying for independent grants and fellowships, and guidance in preparing your next career step.
How to apply
Applications should include:
a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining your background, research interests, and motivation for joining the laboratory; a curriculum vitae, including publications where applicable; copies of relevant degrees and transcripts; and the names and contact details of two or three referees.
Informal inquiries about the positions, potential projects, or the suitability of your background are welcome. Please submit your application as a single pdf with the usual documents (motivation letter, curriculum vitae, university degrees, transcript of records, contact details of up to two referees) electronically to
Recruitment is organized in several application and interview cycles. For the application procedure, submission deadline, and interview dates of the next cycle, please visit: https://modirlab.github.io/open-positions.html
For further questions about the positions, please contact the respective principal investigator at the email addresses stated on the website.
The University of Göttingen aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply. It also considers itself a family-friendly university and promotes the compatibility of science/career and family. The university is particularly committed to the professional participation of employees with severe disabilities and therefore welcomes applications from people with severe disabilities. In the case of equal qualification, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equivalent status should be included in the application to protect interests. Please submit your meaningful application with all important documents by 28.09.2026 exclusively via the application portal http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76660. Information is provided by Ms. Marita Schwahn, E-Mail: schwahn@cs.uni-goettingen.de, Tel. 0049 551 39 21273Note: We point out that the submission of the application constitutes data protection consent to the processing of your application data by us. Further details on the legal basis and data use can be found in the information sheet on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).