The SWPS University is a non-public academic institution conducting scientific and educational activities in Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, Katowice, and Kraków. We belong to the most active research centers in Poland, and the results of our research are applied in various areas of the economy and social life. We translate high-quality research into modern teaching methods, offering study programs based on the latest knowledge that truly prepare students for the challenges of the modern world.
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SWPS University, as a non-public institution, exists to serve humanity, society, and the environment through education, science, art, and public activities. We fulfill this mission as a strong institution, based on a community of employees, students, and alumni.
Location: Sopot Ref. no.: 1167/IP/SPT/26
Doctoral student
Institute of Psychology
Employment group: research
Social and Moral Psychology
Duties:
- designing and conducting experimental studies on the mechanisms underlying fairness judgments and the influence of self-interest on moral judgment
- developing and refining research paradigms grounded in theoretical approaches (e.g., psychological distance, perspective-taking, perceived competence)
- programming experimental studies using Qualtrics or comparable research platforms
- collecting and preparing data for analysis using online research participant platforms (e.g., Prolific)
- conducting statistical analyses (e.g., ANOVA, regression, moderation, and mediation analyses) under the supervision of the principal
investigator/supervisor
- interpreting research findings and integrating them into a coherent theoretical framework
- preparing preregistrations and research documentation in accordance with open science practices
- co-authoring scientific publications and preparing research findings for presentation at national and international conferences
- actively participating in the work of the research team, including team and project meetings
- developing and carrying out a doctoral research project based on studies conducted within the grant-funded project, and completing a doctoral dissertation
Requirements:
- holding a Master’s degree in psychology or a related discipline (e.g., cognitive science, behavioral sciences), obtained no later than 30 September 2026
- interest in social psychology, moral psychology, or decision-making research
- knowledge of experimental research methods and the basics of statistical data analysis
- ability to think analytically and formulate research hypotheses
- very good command of English, enabling the reading and writing of scientific texts, documented by a certificate at a minimum B2 level (for candidates whose first language is English – a certificate confirming proficiency in another modern foreign language at a minimum B2 level)
- experience in conducting empirical research (e.g., as part of a Master’s thesis or research projects)
- knowledge of basic statistical analyses (e.g., ANOVA, regression analysis)
- readiness to conduct experimental research and further develop methodological and analytical competencies
- ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team
- readiness to develop and complete a doctoral research project and dissertation based on studies conducted within the framework of the project
Preferred qualiffications:
- familiarity with online research tools and platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Prolific)
- experience in designing original experimental studies (e.g., developing custom manipulations or research paradigms)
- ability to integrate research findings into coherent theoretical explanations
- interest in the analysis of psychological mechanisms (e.g., mediation and moderation analyses) beyond a basic level
- experience in conducting research beyond diploma requirements (e.g., participation in research projects, co-authorship of studies)
- academic activity (e.g., participation in conferences, student research groups, research projects)
- experience working on scientific texts in English
- experience in collaborative research or teamwork within scientific projects
We offer:
- employment based on a doctoral scholarship agreement
- a doctoral scholarship of PLN 3,570.50 gross per month before the mid-term evaluation and PLN 5,500.50 gross per month after the mid-term evaluation (in accordance with the Polish Law on Higher Education and Science)
- support for academic development from the Research and Projects Department in obtaining and managing grants
- opportunity to participate in scientific conferences
- bonuses for high-scoring publications affiliated with SWPS University
- support for the commercialization of research projects
- an attractive benefits package:
- a discount on graduate and postgraduate studies for employees as well as their close relatives and partners. This discount increases with the employee’s seniority
- a discount on SWPS University’s remaining educational offer
- a 30% discount on language courses offered by SWPS University’s language school
- professional development opportunities through participation in the Erasmus+ program
- psychological support via SWPS University's Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Clinic
- a Multisport Plus gym and fitness benefits package
- subsidized private healthcare package in Medicover or Lux Med for employees and attractively priced packages for their close relatives and partners
- access to a cafeteria of one-time benefits
- subsidized purchase of corrective glasses
- group life insurance policy option with the PZU insurance company
Required documents:
- CV with a list of academic, teaching, and administrative achievements (with reference to the criteria specified above), as well as a description of other professional experience and research interests
- a statement of research interests and plans (maximum 2 pages), including previous research experience, main scientific interests, and alignment with the project topic
- a letter of recommendation (e.g., from the Master’s thesis supervisor) addressing the candidate’s research competencies, independence, and academic potential
- a diploma certifying eligibility for admission to the Doctoral School, understood as:
- a diploma confirming second-cycle qualifications in the case of long-cycle Master’s studies, or diplomas confirming first- and second-cycle qualifications in the case of Bachelor’s and Master’s studies, or
- a certificate of graduation and conferral of the Master’s degree (or equivalent), if the candidate graduated during the 2025/2026 academic year; in such cases, the candidate is required to provide the official diploma confirming the award of the Master’s degree, Master of Engineering degree, or equivalent no later than 30 September 2026
- a certificate confirming English language proficiency at a minimum B2 level (for candidates whose first language is English – a certificate confirming proficiency in another modern foreign language at a minimum B2 level)
Formal criteria:
- academic achievements, including publications in reputable journals/publishers and active participation in national and international conferences: 50% of the final grade
- competencies relevant to the tasks in the research project: 30% of the final grade
- distinctions resulting from scientific work (scholarships, awards), experience gained outside the home institution (domestically or abroad), workshops, training, and participation in research projects: 20% of the final grade
Important dates:
- the deadline for submission of documents is: 2026-06-28
- successful candidates will be announced on: 2026-07-28
- date of commencement of work: 2026-10-01
Competition Committee:
- Associate Professor Konrad Bocian - Chair of the Committee
- Professor Paweł Ostaszewski - Member of the Committee
- Associate Professor Konrad Piotrowski - Member of the Committee
- Kinga Luboń - Member of the HR
- Zuzanna Świtalska - Committee Secretary
Regulations on awarding NCN research scholarships in research projects
The Competition Committee reserves the right to contact only selected candidates.
The candidates who receive the highest scores from the Committee will be invited for an interview.
For any additional information please contact [email protected] referring to ref. no. 1167/IP/SPT/26.
Applications should be submitted electronically using the application form available by clicking on the APPLY button.
Research project description:
Sglf-inĒgrgsĒ and pgrcgivgd fairngss in algoriĒhmic and human
dgcision-mafiing: ™sDchological foundaĒions of ĒrusĒ in arĒificial inĒglliggncg
The project investigates the psychological foundations of fairness perceptions in decisions made by algorithmic systems (ADM) and humans. It focuses on how self-interest influences fairness judgments and leads to systematic biases in the evaluation of decisions.
The project involves a series of experimental behavioral studies aimed at identifying when and why self-interest bias occurs, what psychological mechanisms underlie it (e.g., psychological distance, perspective-taking, perceived competence), and how it can be reduced in high-stakes decision contexts such as recruitment, healthcare, or education.
The project integrates approaches from moral psychology, decision-making, and human–AI interaction to better understand and increase acceptance of algorithmic decision-making.
It is conducted within a research team focused on the psychological foundations of moral judgment and fairness, with particular emphasis on the role of self-interest in social judgments. The team conducts experimental research using rigorous design and open science practices.
More information: https://www.konradbocian.com/the-egocentric-morality-lab.
