The FernUniversität in Hagen, Germany’s only state distance-learning
university, catering to over 75,000 students, providing flexible and accessible
higher education opportunities to students in diverse life situations. The
university conducts extensive theoretical and applied research across its five
faculties, its central research unit CATALPA, and interdisciplinary research
clusters. At CATALPA, over 50 researchers collaborate to support personalized
learning using AI and adaptive systems and to understand the diversity of
learners and teachers as a natural part of teaching.


PhD in Adaptive Learning and Support (w/m/d)

Fulltime 100 %

Fixed-terms 36 months

in pay group 13 TV-L

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join the newly established
research group (ATLaS) on Adaptive Teaching, Learning, and Support at the
Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive Analytics,
at the FernUniversität in Hagen as soon as possible.

The research group investigates how teaching and learning can be measured,
diagnosed, and supported through process-oriented, theory-driven assessment and
adaptive support. Our work integrates perspectives from the learning sciences,
educational psychology, and statistical, analytical, and computational methods
to study learning processes in technology-enhanced learning environments. A
central focus lies on understanding and supporting learning as a dynamic,
regulated process by combining learning theories with multimodal data, learning
analytics, and AI-based methods to diagnose and model learning processes and
translate these insights into adaptive, learner-centered support that fosters
meaningful human-technology partnerships.

This PhD position is particularly suitable for candidates who are excited
about learning as a dynamic process, enjoy working with complex empirical data,
and are motivated to connect theory, measurement, and educational practice.

Your tasks


- Establish independent research priorities to achieve your scientific
qualification (doctorate).
- Contribute to the conceptualization, design and empirical evaluation of
innovative adaptive learning support grounded in learning theories.
- Engage with stakeholders, including students and educators, to gather
requirements and feedback on educational interventions and tools developed.
- Conduct empirical research, including data collection, analysis and
interpretation using both quantitative and qualitative methods.


- Prepare findings for publication in high-impact journals and present at
(inter)national conferences.
- Participation in events organized by CATALPA and the CATALPA Graduate
School, such as research colloquiums, poster symposiums, or workshops.
- Together with other CATALPA researchers, you may contribute to the
preparation of interdisciplinary third-party funding applications.


- There are no teaching obligations.

Your profile:


- A master’s degree in Psychology, Learning and Instruction, Learning
Sciences, Educational Sciences, Educational Technology, or other relevant
fields.
- Strong interest in the academic work and research topics of the research
group.
- Solid foundation in empirical research methods and willingness to further
develop advanced data-analytic skills.
- Experience with quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis tools and
methodologies (e.g., SPSS, R, Python).
- Experience in conducting research, with a good understanding of both
quantitative and qualitative research methods, is a plus.
- Initial experience in conducting independent research and scientific
publishing is an advantage.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. Knowledge of
German is desirable, but not required.


- Able to work independently and as part of a team; proactive, flexible,
growth-oriented, and eager to learn.

What we offer:

The position has a contract period of 3 years and provide you with an
opportunity to acquire a scientific qualification. If the applicant meets the
academic requirements and has sufficient personal qualifications, the salary
offered will be based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the
German public sector. The position is an excellent opportunity for researchers
passionate about using technology to enhance learning and education. Candidates
should be prepared to work in a multidisciplinary, innovative, dynamic
environment and contribute to ongoing research projects that will be invaluable
in educational practice. CATALPA offers an interdisciplinary working
environment with a well-developed research infrastructure, intensive
supervision, regular colloquia, and a diverse array of research-related
training opportunities. A hybrid work environment, with partial on-site
presence at the FernUniversität in Hagen. We strive to offer a good work-life
balance, including options that support the reconciliation of family and
career—such as the possibility of part-time employment—and a wide range of
occupational health and wellness programs.

For any questions, please reach out to:

Dr. Lyn Lim (Head of Junior Research Group)
Tel.: 02331 987-4671
E-Mail: lyn.lim@fernuni-hagen.de


CATALPA, Center of Advanced Technology for Assisted Learning and Predictive
Analytics


Have we sparked your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your
application in English. Upload your documents (cover letter, CV, copies of
qualifications, etc.) to ouronline application system by March 12,2026


We are committed to equal opportunities:

The FernUniversität in Hagen is committed to increasing the proportion of
women in research and teaching. Qualified female applicants are strongly
encouraged to apply. In cases of equal qualifications, skills, and professional
achievements, preference will be given to female candidates, unless there are
compelling reasons for preferring an outstanding male candidate. Candidates
with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.


FernUniversität in Hagen
Dezernat 3 - Personalentwicklung
Universitätsstraße 47
58097 Hagen