The Center for Adaptive Rationality directed by Ralph Hertwig at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development (Berlin) is seeking applicants for a position as Student Research Assistant to assist the ongoing research in all phases of the scientific process. Research assistants are usually employed on a basis of 43–86h a month. The position lasts for 6 months minimum and will be prolonged given mutual interest. The anticipated start date is January 1st 2026 or later. The remuneration without a Bachelor's degree is 15,18 €/h (Research Assistant), in the Master's degree 15,84€/h (Scientific Assistant).

Tasks vary greatly, including (but not limited to):
Conducting literature reviews
Coding quantitative and qualitative data
Proofing and formatting scientific materials (e.g., experiments, research papers, references, incl. using tools such as Overleaf, Zotero, etc.)
Assisting in data collection (Qualtrics, LimeSurvey, etc.)
Piloting studies

Enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program at a German university (cognitive science, psychology or related field)
Excellent communication skills in English
Highly organized and independent
Flexibility in task management and ability to handle varied responsibilities
Interest in decision-making and adaptive rationality
Motivation to acquire skills and experience in the Center’s research areas

Desired qualifications (not all are necessary to apply):
German proficiency
Coding knowledge (R, Python)
Familiarity with version control systems (GitHub/GitLab)

Flexible working hours
Work in an international and interdisciplinary team focused on empowering people to make good decisions in a complex and changing world
Opportunity to gain a wide range of experiences and skills in a dynamic research environment

The Max Planck Society strives for gender and diversity equality. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max Planck Society is further committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such individuals.

Please send your application electronically to Linda Kerbl (arc-jobs@mpib-berlin.mpg.de) using the subject line “Application Roaming Student RA ARC”. Your application should include the following documents in a single PDF document:

(a) a short motivation letter
(b) CV without a photo
(c) relevant school/university certificates and references

Applications will be considered until October 31, 2025.

Here you will find the data protection declaration for the processing of personal data within the scope of your application. https://www.mpib-berlin.mpg.de/1589569/en_infos_bewerbung-23-01-17.pdf