SWPS University is a non-public academic institution conducting scientific research and educational activities in Warsaw, Wrocław, Sopot, Poznań, Katowice, and Kraków. We are among 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, offering study programs based on the latest knowledge that genuinely prepare students for the challenges of the contemporary world.
It is a community that brings together diverse experiences and beliefs. We create an open, multicultural environment that enables employees and students to pursue shared goals and fully develop their potential.
Our commitment to the development of science and our pursuit of the highest quality research are the foundation on which we build our success. This is reflected in the results of the evaluation of our research activities, in which three disciplines were awarded the highest A+ category and the remaining disciplines received an A category.
As a non-public university, SWPS University exists to serve individuals, society, and the environment through education, science, art, and public engagement. We fulfill this mission as a strong institution built on a community of employees, students, and alumni.
Location: Sopot Ref. no.: 1161/IP/SPT/26/2
Post-doc
Institute of Psychology
Employment group: research
Research profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Duties:
- independently designing and conducting experimental studies on fairness judgments in algorithmic and human decision-making
- taking responsibility for selected research areas and ensuring their timely and high-quality execution
- developing and implementing theory-driven research paradigms within a multi-study research program
- managing the full research process, including study design, preregistration, data collection, and analysis
- programming and implementing studies using online research platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Prolific, BeSample)
- ensuring high data quality through rigorous screening, validation, and monitoring procedures
- conducting advanced statistical analyses, including moderation and mediation analyses
- synthesizing findings across multiple studies and contributing to the development of a coherent research program
- leading and executing multi-stage publication projects - from study design to manuscript submission
- contributing to theoretical development and integration of research findings
- engaging in open science practices, including preregistration, data sharing, and transparent reporting
- closely collaborating with the project leader while maintaining a high level of scientific independence
- supporting the development of PhD students within the research team
- presenting research findings at international conferences and engaging in dissemination activities
Requirements:
- holding a PhD degree in social sciences (psychology or related fields such as behavioral sciences, cognitive science, or experimental social sciences), obtained no more than 7 years prior to the year of employment
- at least 2–3 years of research experience in experimental psychology or related fields (including doctoral studies), involving behavioral research design and execution
- strong publication record in peer-reviewed international journals (preferably first-author publications)
- excellent knowledge of experimental design and behavioral research methods
- demonstrated ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze experimental studies
- advanced statistical skills, including regression, moderation, and mediation analyses (R, SPSS, Python)
- experience conducting online studies using platforms such as Qualtrics, Prolific, or similar tools
- experience in multi-study, theory-driven research projects
- familiarity with open science practices (preregistration, data sharing, reproducible analyses)
- English proficiency at least at B2 level, with strong academic writing skills
- strong analytical thinking, organizational skills, and ability to work independently and in a team
- strong interest in social psychology, moral psychology, or decision-making research, particularly in fairness or human–AI interaction
Preferred qualiffications:
- experience leading independent research projects or coordinating multi-study programs
- first-author publications in peer-reviewed international journals
- research experience in social psychology, moral psychology, or decision-making
- experience studying fairness, judgment, or human–AI interaction
- experience conducting large-scale online and cross-cultural studies
- knowledge of advanced experimental paradigms and complex research designs
- experience with advanced open science practices (e.g., registered reports, reproducible workflows)
- prior involvement in grant-funded research projects
- international research experience or collaboration
- experience supervising junior researchers (e.g., MA or PhD students)
We offer:
- full-time employment contract for a period of 6 months (with the possibility of extending the employment)
- remuneration within the range of PLN 11,666.66 gross gross per month
- support for academic development from the Research and Projects Department in obtaining and managing grants
- opportunity to participate in scientific conferences
- bonuses for highly rated publications affiliated with SWPS University
- support for the commercialization of research projects
- an attractive benefits package:
- a discount on Master's studies and graduate certificate programs for employees, as well as their close relatives and partners — 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 Clinic of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- low-interest housing loans
- 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
- points-based employee rewards program
- 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
- scanned copy of the doctoral diploma confirming the award of a PhD in Psychology within the field of Social Sciences
- cover letter
- a certificate confirming knowledge of a foreign language at the required proficiency level
- research statement (max. 2 pages) describing research experience, interests, and fit to the project; must demonstrate ability to independently design experimental studies and publish results
- one representative publication (published or in preparation)
- reference letter addressing the candidate’s ability to independently design and conduct experimental research, manage research projects, and contribute to publications
Formal criteria:
- academic achievements, including publications in reputable journals/publishers and active participation in national and international conferences: 40% of the final grade
- competencies relevant to the tasks in the research project: 45% 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: 15% of the final grade
Important dates:
- the deadline for submission of documents is: 2026-12-04
- successful candidates will be announced on: 2027-01-04
- date of commencement of work: 2027-01-15
Competition Committee:
- Associate Professor Konrad Bocian - Chair of the Committee
- Professor Paweł Ostaszewski - Member of the Committee
- Associate Professor Aleksandra Szymków-Sudziarska - Member of the Committee
- Aleksandra Prusinowska - 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 zswitalska@swps.edu.pl referring to ref. no. 1161/IP/SPT/26/2.
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.
