Doctoral Researcher in Research Project on Development of Aging Attitudes in Children

Applications are invited for a doctoral position at the Institute for Lifespan Development, Family and Culture at the University of Luxembourg.

The position is part of an international research project on “Pathways of Parental Influence on the Development of Ageing Attitudes in Young Children” The project is a cooperation between the University of Luxembourg and Friedrich Schiller University Jena, funded by the Fonds Nationale de la Recherche Luxembourg (FNR, INTER/DFG/25/18860401/ATTUNE) and the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Studies show that the foundation for the negative aging attitudes that prevail in our culture is already laid in childhood. The aim of this project is thus to contribute to a better understanding of the development of aging attitudes in 4- to 6-year-old children. The project focuses on how parents shape children’s aging attitudes through language, behavior, and so-called “gatekeeping”—that is, controlling children’s access to information. Of particular interest is whether parents’ awareness of negative aging attitudes contributes to critical reflection of these attitudes and reduces transmission to their children. To investigate these questions, behavioral, cognitive, and affective attitudes toward aging are assessed in a sample of N = 150 parent-child dyads – both implicitly and explicitly. Modern methods of attitude research, observation procedures, and child-friendly assessment instruments are combined to gain a differentiated insight into family influence processes.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Anna Kornadt (Uni Luxembourg), Prof. Dr. Michaela Riediger and Dr. Antje Rauers (FSU Jena).

• Obtaining a PhD in Psychology with a topic within the scope of the research project
• Preparation, implementation and analysis of an empirical data collection (e.g., development of behavioral paradigms for assessing social learning processes in parent-child interactions; development and programming of survey instruments; recruitment, coordination and implementation of test sessions in Luxembourg)
• Guidance of a team of student assistants
• Conceptualizing and implementing behavioral analyses of video-recorded parent-child interactions (e.g., development of coding manuals, training and supervision of coders)
• Collaboration in an international team
• Carrying out statistical data analyses
• Preparation of scientific publications and conference papers
• Contribution to and support of (on-going and future) research-related activities of the research group

• Excellent Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in Psychology or a related field
• Willingness to take on responsibility
• Commitment and capacity for teamwork
• Very good aptitude for scientific work
• Interest in further scientific and methodological training and in the topic of the research project
• Excellent social skills in the interaction with children and their parents
• Interest in and ability to work in an international context, including occasional business trips
• Experience in conducting larger empirical research projects and/or in statistical data analysis is an advantage

• Fluent written and spoken English and German required

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter
• Degree certificates and transcripts
• A letter of recommendation
• A brief (around 500 W) sketch for a potential PhD project (research question, a short literature review, an overview over the methods and data that you aim to use), related to the design and topics of the research project

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. To ensure a full consideration, applications should be received by December 5th, 2025 ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Planned start date: 01.03.2026
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07742

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

• Apply online