We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher at the intersection of personality psychology, computational modeling, clinical research, and adult development to work with Wiebke Bleidorn and Ven Popov in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zurich (Switzerland). 

The Individual Differences and Assessment Lab at the University of Zurich studies the stability and change of individual differences across the lifespan and in response to purposeful intervention. We focus on the conditions under which people change, the sources and processes of personality change, the consequences of personality differences, and volitional personality change strategies. Together with Dr. Ven Popov, we are developing a computational model of volitional personality trait change. The project is funded by a SNSF consolidator grant (https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/213696). Primary emphasis will be on modeling the psychological processes of personality trait change. However, there will also be opportunities to engage in other projects, including those initiated by the post-doc. 

Candidates should hold a PhD degree in psychology, statistics, computational science or related fields at the time of application. Candidates are expected to have some experience in building and testing computational models that implement theoretical assumptions about psychological processes. They should have a strong interest in applying formal modelling as a tool for theory building and testing. International applications are strongly encouraged. English proficiency is a must; knowledge of German is helpful, but not required.

Your responsibilities:
– development of computational models of personality trait change
– publication of research in international peer-review journals
– presentation of research at national and international conferences
– contributions to ongoing grant projects

We offer: 
– the opportunity to develop an independent research program 
– an excellent research environment in a productive department 
– a close research exchange in a highly motivated team
– opportunities for continued education
– salary and employment conditions according to cantonal pay scales (approx. 100,000 Swiss francs)

Your profile:
– Ph.D. in psychology, statistics, computational science or related fields at the time of application
– experience building and testing computational models 
– interest in applying formal modeling as a tool for theory building and testing
– interest in individual differences and personality psychology
– publication experience in peer-reviewed journals
– high motivation to work in a team and collaborate on ongoing research projects 
– proficiency in English 

Starting date: February 1, 2025 or per agreement 

Applications
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, or disability.
To apply, submit a cover letter (about 1 page) describing your interest in and potential approach to model psychological change, as well as your general career goals, together with your curriculum vitae, and two of your articles in one pdf file to: w.bleidorn@psychologie.uzh.ch

The application deadline is December 15, 2024. 

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Prof. Dr. Wiebke (VEEP-kə) Bleidorn

University of Zurich Department of Psychology
Individual Differences and Assessment
Binzmühlestrasse 14, Box 7
CH – 8050 Zürich