Research Associate

This interdisciplinary DFG project "Combining Surveys and Digital Tracking Data for Mental Health Research from a Computational Social Science Perspective (COSDIMH)" focuses on notable methodological challenges in measuring the relationship of mental health (MH) and digital media use (DMU). We aim to foster innovation by focusing on combining different DMU and MH measures in survey data and digital tracking data. We compare measures within and across surveys and digital tracking data to analyze their validity and reliability. We examine the short-term dynamic interaction between DMU and MH measures by combining different measures from multiple surveys and digital tracking data. Finally, we analyze the causality of the relationship between DMU and MH in an experimental setting and implement personalized interventions. We identify best practices, methods, and potential pitfalls for such combinatorial research approaches.

The project will be conducted in close cooperation with Prof. Tobias Koch from FSU Jena and GESIS and is part of the DFG Infrastructure Priority Programme “New Data Spaces for the Social Sciences” (SPP 2431).

You will be integrated into a well-organized, supportive and internationally networked team and work on an innovative and interdisciplinary research project. You will have a dedicated supervisor with relevant content and methodological expertise (Prof. Dr. E. Domahidi and Prof. Dr. T. Koch). You can expect responsible, interesting and varied tasks with a wide range of creative freedom. In addition, there is the opportunity for publication-based promotion as well as the offer of a wide range of further qualification opportunities in the professional and interdisciplinary field.

We have excellent equipment and infrastructure.

The position can be filled by 01.10.2024 at the latest.

Your tasks

Your job tasks include:

Participation in an interdisciplinary DFG project and collaboration with various cooperation partners Literature research and elaboration of the state of research on measuring the relationship of MH and DMU Conception and implementation of surveys and digital tracking studies Preparation of an collaboration on data collection, data cleaning and data analysis in the project Preparation of and collaboration on conference participation and proceedings as well as journal publications Support of the department in administrative tasks related to the project Organization of workshops and collaboration in science communication related to the project

Your profile

For being part of the selection process is needed:

excellent university degree (Mmaster/ Diploma (Univ.)) ’s in communication science or closely related disciplines (e.g. psychology) advanced research skills and excellent knowledge of quantitative data analysis (in R, Python or similar applications) programming skills in R, Python or another programming language or a strong interest in acquiring the skills good knowledge of computational social science methods esp. computational text analysis or a strong interest in acquiring the skills fluency in German and English, written and spoken

Following competences are desirable:

Interest in interdisciplinary cooperation Independent and responsible way of working, communication skills and the ability to work in a team

Please provide evidence of the qualifications required for the job by certificates and references.

Your application must include at least the following documents:

Cover letter Curriculum vitae Diploma/certificate of Master's/Diploma (or provisional certificate) Study overview including grades (Transcript of Records)

This position is not divisible.

What we offer you:

attractive remuneration according to collective agreement (as per TV-L) incl. granting of a special annual payment vacation entitlement of 30 days in the calendar year and additional days off on 24 / 31 December flexible working time model VBL - pension scheme in the public sector

From individual advancement with a wide range of continuing education opportunities to a variety of health and recreational offerings, you can expect an appreciative working environment at a renowned university at TU Ilmenau. In addition to an attractive, family friendly working hour’s model, you will also benefit from advantages such as the use of the dining halls of the Studiendenwerk Thüringen, as well as participation in several attractive sport offers from the university owned sport centrum.

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