PhD student / Research associate (m/f/x) in Formal Epistemology and Agent-Based Modeling

Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Research :
Institute for Philosophy II
Research Group 'Reasoning, Rationality and Science'
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (25,8895 = 65%) by 01.10.2026, we are looking for a

PhD student / Research associate (m/f/x) in Formal Epistemology and Agent-Based Modeling

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.

We are looking for a research assistant (m/f/x) 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.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.

• Research Focus: Investigate the interaction between topic properties (e.g., question difficulty, diagnosticity of evidence) and social dynamics (network topology, communication norms).
• Multi-Option Dynamics: Extend existing binary models to multi-option topics to study how expanded option spaces qualitatively change belief dynamics and polarization patterns.
• Collaboration: Participate in the research activities of the 'Reasoning, Rationality and Science' group.
• Teachingduties: Conducting one course each semester

• 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).