University of Wroclaw invites applications for the position of assistant professor (post-doc) at the Department of Management Psychology at the Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences (NCN OPUS project)

No 14.2026.NCN.ZPZ.IPs.WNHP.AH of 13.03.2026

Institute/Department: Institute of Psychology, Department of Management Psychology, Faculty of Historical and Pedagogical Sciences

Position: assistant professor (post-doc)

Type of position: research 

• in research discipline: psychology
• in research field: social science

Vacancies/positions: 1

Type of contract: full time

Application deadline: 30.04.2026

Estimated date of the contest settlement: May 2026

Envisaged job starting date: tbd 

Period of employment: 24 months

The competition is open to each candidate who meets the requirements set out in the Higher Education and Science Act of July 20th 2018 (Journal of Laws of 2018, item 1668 as amended) and the Statute of University of Wroclaw.

Project description: 

NCN OPUS 26 | Grant no. 2023/51/B/HS6/02522

This project investigates a largely overlooked dimension of human decision-making: the role of reputation management. Conventional decision research treats deviations from normatively correct choices as errors reflecting limited cognitive ability or insufficient reflection. This project challenges that interpretation by arguing that many such deviations are deliberate, socially motivated strategies. People may knowingly forgo the optimal solution because selecting it would damage their reputation or signal undesirable traits to others.

To formally test this idea, the project develops and validates a new measurement tool based on the Process Dissociation technique. This tool yields two independent parameters: N, capturing the ability to identify and apply normatively correct solutions, and R, capturing sensitivity to reputational concerns. By administering congruent and incongruent decision scenarios — in which the normative solution either aligns with or contradicts social expectations — the tool separates these two motivational components at the individual level.

The post-doctoral researcher will contribute across all three phases of the project: scale development and piloting (Step 1), correlational validation against established individual-difference measures (Step 2), and experimental validation using paradigms including role-playing, trust games, and group decision-making (Step 3). The role involves designing and programming studies, collecting and analysing data, and co-authoring publications. The position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to a theoretically novel and methodologically rigorous research programme at the intersection of cognitive psychology, behavioural economics, and social psychology.

Requirements

1. PhD degree in psychology, cognitive science, behavioral economics, or a closely related field.
2. Fluency in English (written and spoken).
3. Proficiency in quantitative data analysis (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, or equivalent).
4. Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals (publications scored 200 pts by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education will be considered a strong asset).
5. Strong motivation and ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Responsibilities at the workplace

In the research area

1. Conducting research within the NCN OPUS 26 project (grant no. 2023/51/B/HS6/02522): systematic literature reviews, design and execution of behavioural experiments, quantitative data analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
2. Supporting the Principal Investigator in project-related administrative and organisational tasks.

In the teaching area

1. None (this is a research-only position with no teaching duties).

In the organizational area

1. Supporting the PI in project administration, reporting to NCN, and coordination of research activities.

The application for the competition should include:

1. A personal questionnaire for the applicant for employment (download Personal questionnaire).
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. Copies of documents confirming scientific degree (PhD in social sciences in the psychology discipline).
4. A statement that, if successful, the University of Wroclaw will be your primary place of work (download Workplace Statement).
5. Declaration as to the discipline in which the candidate will conduct research, and in the case of people conducting research in more than one discipline: the percentage share of their involvement in each of these disciplines (download Declaration of scientific discipline).
6. Declaration – article 113 the Law on Higher Education and Science (download Declaration – Article 113).
7. Self-presentation containing a description of the candidate’s scientific activity, level of internationalization, organizational activity and teaching activity.
8. A list of the candidate's publications for a period of no more than 10 years.
9. Electronic versions of the two most important publications that the candidate considers to be representative of his/her scientific achievement, or an explanation of the lack of them.
10. Application for employment addressed to the Rector.

If you provide us with data voluntarily in your application other than what is necessary for you to participate in the recruitment procedure, we ask for your consent to their processing, which may read:

- in the case of ordinary data: ‘I consent to the processing of my personal data contained in.... (e.g. CV, cover letter or other attached documents) by the University of Wrocław in the recruitment process for the position ...’

- for special category data: ‘I consent to the processing of the special categories of my data referred to in Article 9(1) of the GDPR contained in .... (e.g. CV, motivation letter or other attached documents) by the University of Wrocław in the recruitment process for the position ...’

All the documents should be send only in an electronic form to the following address: praca@uwr.edu.pl with the subject of the message: "assistant professor (post-doc).14.2026.NCN.ZPZ.IPs.WNHP.AH".

Additional information:

1. The University of Wrocław reserves the right to contact only selected candidates.
2. Selected candidates may be required to undergo an interview by means of electronic communication allowing audio and video transmission.
3. The University of Wrocław reserves the right to close the competition without selecting a candidate.
4. The University of Wrocław reserves the right to cancel the competition.
5. The University of Wrocław does not provide housing.

Information clause for persons participating in the recruitment process

https://hr.uwr.edu.pl/en/information-clause-for-persons-participating-i…