Researcher in Psychology

Masaryk University

Department: Laboratory for the Experimental Research of Religion, Department for the Study of Religions, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University
Deadline: 15 May 2026
Start Date: 1 July 2026 (negotiable)
Job Type: Full-time, non-academic research position
EU Researcher Profile: R1/R2
Work Time: 40 hours per week
Contract Type: 1-year employment contract (with possibility of extension to 2.5 years)
Number of Openings: 1

About the Project

The successful candidate will join the Computing Religious Devotion (CREDO) project (2024–2028), funded by the Czech Science Foundation. This interdisciplinary project develops a computational model of moral decision-making in which religious belief forms strong cognitive priors influencing normative decisions. The project involves a large-scale cross-cultural study spanning 20 societies and two religious traditions per site to examine how religious traditions shape cognition, ingroup cooperation, and outgroup bias.

The candidate will work alongside Dr. Martin Lang (PI) and another postdoc, using both large-scale behavioral datasets and laboratory methods (EEG, fNIRS, BIOPAC) to test predictions from computational models and conduct original research on normative decision-making.

More information on the project: CREDO Project

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the project team (PI, 2 postdocs, 2 PhD students) to design and execute lab studies and cross-cultural experiments.
• Fit computational models (drift-diffusion, reinforcement learning) to empirical data.
• Conduct statistical analyses.
• Write research articles for peer-reviewed journals.
• Present findings at conferences and seminars.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Ph.D. (or near completion) in psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, or related field.
• At least one first-author publication (pre-prints accepted).

Skills

• Competence in designing and executing behavioral/neuroscientific experiments.
• Experience with formal modeling of cognitive processes.
• Fluency in statistical programming (R, Python, or Matlab).
• English proficiency at B2 level or higher.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in social cognition, moral psychology, or decision-making.
• Experience with EEG, fNIRS, or fMRI.
• Familiarity with open science practices (pre-registration, registered reports, open code).

We Offer

Work Environment

• Employment in a prestigious institution with HR Excellence in Research Award.
• International, interdisciplinary team with fully equipped laboratories.
• Supportive work environment emphasizing work-life balance.
• Central city location.

Benefits

• 6 weeks paid vacation per year.
• Flexible working hours, partial remote work possible.
• Meal allowance, pension contributions, nursery/playgroup support.
• Sports and wellness programs (Multisport card, lessons).

Training and Development

• Opportunities for language courses, professional development, and conference participation.
• Access to Masaryk University libraries, placements, and international mobility programs.

Application Procedure

Submit your application via the electronic application link by 15 May 2026 including:

1. Cover letter
2. Structured CV with overview of experience
3. Proof of education
4. Overview of scientific and publishing activities
5. One representative publication or pre-print
6. Recommendation letter from previous supervisor/mentor

After submission, an automatic confirmation will be sent. For questions, contact:

Mgr. Eva Brázdová Urbanová
Email: eva.urbanova@phil.muni.cz

Selection Process

• Candidates will be evaluated based on submitted documents and profile suitability.
• Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview (in-person or videoconference).
• Full selection procedures: Faculty of Arts Careers Page

About Masaryk University & LEVYNA

Masaryk University is the second-largest university in the Czech Republic, with 10 faculties, 32,000 students, and a strong international research profile.

Faculty of Arts: Research-oriented, approximately 1/5 of MU’s research volume, with over 600 employees. Holder of HR Excellence in Research Award since 2021.
Website: Faculty of Arts, MU | Facebook

LEVYNA (Laboratory for the Experimental Research of Religion): Interdisciplinary lab studying cognitive mechanisms underlying religious cognition, behavior, and institutions.
Website: LEVYNA

Contact for Position:
doc. Mgr. Martin Lang, Ph.D.
Email: martinlang@mail.muni.cz