PhD Student in Formal Epistemology and Agent-Based Modeling at Ruhr-Universität Bochum 2026

The research group "Reasoning, Rationality and Science" is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Dunja Šešelja and Prof. Dr. Christian Straßer, both based at the Institute for Philosophy II, Faculty for Philosophy and Educational Science.They are looking for a research assistant with documented research experience to investigate how complex group-level phenomena, such as belief polarization and fragmented consensus, emerge from deliberation and argumentative exchange among (boundedly) rational agents.

The project focuses on rational reconstructions of polarization—studying how belief divergence can arise from fragmented access to evidence rather than individual bias. A key methodological component is the use of Bayesian, agent-based simulation environments where topics are represented via Bayesian networks to formalize argumentative relations between hypotheses and evidence.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineApril 30, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorRuhr University Bochum
• School to studyRuhr University Bochum
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Challenging and varied tasks with a high level of independence
• Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr
• Collaboration in a committed and appreciative team
• Flexible working hours and support for professional development.

Requirements

• Degree: An excellent M.A. degree (or equivalent) in Philosophy with a focus on formal methods.
• Specialization: The level of specialization should ideally be advanced PhD level, with documented research experience and strong background in social and formal epistemology, as well as agent-based modeling.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in programming languages relevant to ABM (e.g., NetLogo, R, or Python).
• Formal Skills: Competence in formal methods such as Game Theory, Social Choice Theory, and Bayesian Epistemology.
• Language: Excellent command of English (written and spoken).

Application Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Copies of degree certificates and transcripts
3. Cover letter (1-2 pages) explaining your motivation and research interests
4. Names and contact details of two academic referees
5. A writing sample (e.g., MA thesis or a research paper)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications are made via the Online Application Portal.

For more information, kindly visit the RUB webpage.