Research Associate/PhD Student – Social Media and Conspiracy Theories

Reference number: L 66 32 11 26

Term limitation

limited for 4 years

Beginning

01.03.2027

Location

Landau

Scope

Part time 75% (29,25 hours/week)

Remuneration

E 13 TV-L

Department

Psychology Institut für Kommunikationspsychologie und Medienpädagogik (IKM)

With about 15,000 students, more than 300 professorships and around 160 degree programs, the RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau is the technical university of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. As a place of top international research, it offers excellent working conditions and career opportunities. Those who study, research or work at RPTU experience a cosmopolitan environment and shape the future.

The Media Psychology Research Group (headed by Prof. Dr. Stephan Winter) is seeking a Research Associate (TV-L 13, 75% of full-time employment) for the DFG-funded project „Do your own research! Benefits of social media usage for conspiracy believers and the interplay of selectivity and persuasive media effects”. The project is part of the DFG Research Unit 'Beyond Crazy: Integrating Benefits into the Analysis of Conspiracy Beliefs” and is therefore embedded in a larger interdisciplinary research network. This includes regular academic exchange with doctoral researchers and professors at the other participating institutions, as well as participation in joint conferences and workshops. Candidates who wish to apply for positions in multiple subprojects within the Research Unit are encouraged to do so and are asked to indicate this in their respective applications.

Your area of responsibility

Designing and conducting empirical studies (e.g., experiments and web/mobile tracking studies)

Preparing manuscripts for publication in academic journals

Presenting research findings at academic conferences

• Collaborating on research activities within the DFG Research Unit “Beyond Crazy: Integrating Benefits into the Analysis of Conspiracy Beliefs”
• The position provides the opportunity to pursue an academic qualification, in particular the completion of a doctoral dissertation.

Your requirements profile

• An excellent Masters degree in Psychology or Communication Science
• Strong interest in media psychology research and current developments in the media landscape as well as in research on conspiracy beliefs
• Experience in conducting empirical studies (ideally involving experiments, surveys, or tracking data)

Very good command of English

• Knowledge of German is of advantage
• We offer:
• Health promotion
• Family Service Center
• Vocational Training
• Flexible working hour and home office
• Jobticket
• Retirement provision
• Sport & Fitness programms
• Culture & Leisure offers

Local recreation in the Palatinate Forest

RPTU stands for diversity among all employees. We welcome applications from all interested parties, regardless of their ethnic and social origin, age, religion, gender, disability and sexual orientation or identity. Preference will be given to severely disabled persons and persons equivalent to them if they have the appropriate qualifications and suitability.

The RPTU aims to increase the proportion of women in areas where women are underrepresented. Applications from researchers from abroad are expressly encouraged. The appointment will be subject to the German law on fixed-term contracts in science (WissZeitVG).

Your application

• We look forward to receiving your detailed application (CV, references, etc.) by 29.11.2026 at the latest.
• Please submit your application using the 'Online Bewerbung' button below or via our application portal ( https://jobs.rptu.de ).
• For further questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Stephan Winter (Tel.: 06341 280 36714, e-mail: stephan.winter@rptu.de ).