Postdoctoral position in experimental research on generative AI and learning processes (EEG, eye tracking) at the Virtual Learning Lab Full-time

Postdoctoral Position In Using Generative Ai For Learning

The Virtual Learning Lab at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), invites applications for a postdoctoral position in using generative AI for learning, starting 1 August 2026.

The position is available for 2 years with the option of extension.

The Virtual Learning Lab (VLL) investigates learning with emerging technologies such as generative AI and extended reality. We focus on how, when, why, and for whom these technologies support and are detrimental to learning, and we develop evidence-based knowledge to improve learning effectiveness, instructional design, and classroom integration.

This postdoctoral position is linked to the Carlsberg Foundation funded project Generative AI in Education: From Offloading to Cognitive Understanding in Schools (FOCUS). The postdoc will contribute primarily to Work Package 1, which comprises a series of preregistered randomized laboratory experiments testing how different forms of generative AI support influence learners' cognitive and self-regulatory processes during structured learning tasks. The postdoc will use multimethod process measures (EEG, eye tracking, interaction logs, and physiological measures) to trace attention, working memory, metacognition, motivation, and human–AI regulation during learning, generating evidence that informs subsequent classroom studies in FOCUS.

Duties and responsibilities The postdoc will contribute to an innovative research environment and will be expected to:

• Conceive, design, and implement preregistered randomized laboratory experiments
• Plan and execute multimethod data collection (EEG, eye tracking, interaction logs, physiological measures)
• Conduct advanced quantitative analyses of experimental and process data, and contribute to open science workflows (preregistration, reproducible pipelines, documentation)
• Develop and pilot structured learning tasks and generative AI conditions, including theory-informed scaffolding
• Lead and co-author manuscripts for high-quality international journals
• Contribute to the broader research activities of the VLL
• Participate in research group activities and relevant departmental responsibilities.

A postdoctoral position is a fixed-term academic position. The position is heavily weighted toward research. Other duties, including limited teaching and administrative tasks, will be assigned to a lesser extent.

Your competencies and opportunities Applicants must hold a PhD in Psychology or a related discipline by the start date. The successful candidate should have:

• Strong research experience in educational psychology, learning sciences, human–computer interaction, AI in education, extended reality, or closely related fields
• Experience with or strong interest in process measures such as EEG, eye tracking, physiological measures, learning analytics, or interaction log data
• Demonstrated expertise in advanced data analysis
• Experience with open science practices (preregistration, transparent reporting, reproducible workflows)
• Excellent written and spoken English and a strong publication record or clear publication potential.

Strategy of the Faculty of Social Sciences The Department of Psychology is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences. The faculty is a successful academic community that strives to put knowledge into action by:

• Engaging partners in the co-creation of knowledge, learning, and social change
• Empowering students to become reflective and responsible citizens with the vision, the knowledge, and the competences to change society for the better
• Energising global, European, and Danish communities of knowledge by innovating research methodologies and producing research with impact.

Terms of employment Further information on qualification requirements as postdoc can be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities 2019. Terms of appointment and salary are in accordance with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (Akademikerne).

An equal opportunity workplace The University of Copenhagen is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment and therefore encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity, etc. For more on the diverse workplace environment and HRS4R HR Excellence in Research, see HR Excellence in Research, University of Copenhagen.

International applicant The University of Copenhagen offers services for international researchers and accompanying families, including support before and during relocation and career counselling for partners. Please see: For international researchers at the University of Copenhagen – University of Copenhagen.

How to apply Please submit a complete application via the online portal by clicking “Apply now” at the bottom of the page. Documents must be in PDF or Word. The application must be written in English and include:

• Motivated application (max 2 pages)
• Curriculum vitae
• Diplomas (PhD, master, and bachelor)
• Publication list
• Up to 3 selected publications or manuscripts (recommended)
• Optional: brief description of experience with experimental methods, process measures (EEG, eye tracking, logs, physiology), and open science practices.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 (CEST) 30 April 2026. Applications or additional material received after the deadline will not be considered.