As part of the strategic plan linked to the María de Maeztu Seal of Excellence award, the CIMCYC is recruiting a postdoctoral researcher with experience in the field of the psychology of disinformation. This person will be responsible for working with researchers at the center to develop a new line of research focused on this topic, applied to the center's various areas of research where disinformation exists among the non-expert public.
Demonstrable experience in (at least) part of the responsibilities described for the position is essential.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- POSITION: Postdoctoral Researcher in Disinformation, María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence - CIMCYC
- Location: Granada, Spain
- Type of contract/Duration: One year (renewable up to two years)
- Job Status: Full-time
- Expected starting date: December 2025 – January 2026 (flexible)
Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento
The Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC, https://cimcyc.ugr.es/en) of the University of Granada in Spain brings together world-class research in several key areas of psychology and neuroscience with the mission to produce excellent international science, train excellent professionals and go to great lengths to impact society and make the world a better place for its citizens. CIMCYC researchers study the human mind and brain, its individual variability, development and disease, its interrelation with the surrounding social environment and multitude of applications of this knowledge. Our greatest fortitude lies in the unique and privileged combination of state-of-the-art infrastructures at the service of these core multidisciplinary psychological research topics, with outstanding researchers that teach at excellent international postgraduate training programs and also organise and participate in a myriad of community insertion activities that make our research matter to society.
Recognizing the international leadership and capabilities of the CIMCYC, the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities has awarded the center with a "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" distinction (https://www.aei.gob.es/en/awarded-grants/centers-units-excellence).
Disinformation is a topic of current relevance, generating great concern due to its multiple negative effects on our society. The discipline of psychology helps to advance the understanding of misinformation, conspiracy theories, attacks on science, and the widespread dissemination of reactionary ideas. In addition, many myths and incorrect information, without scientific basis, have formed around psychology and neuroscience. For all these reasons, the CIMCYC aims to promote scientific culture and critical thinking.
Personnel selection at the CIMCYC follows Open, Transparent and Merit-based Recruitment (OTM-R) principles, with commitment to gender equality and respect for diversity.
Job description:
The hired person will conduct research in the field of the psychology of disinformation in different subject areas at the center, focusing on:
- Advancing knowledge about the psychological mechanisms that underpin the acquisition, dissemination, and maintenance over time of beliefs based on false or misleading information.
- The effectiveness of different types of interventions for preventing and minimizing the negative effects of disinformation.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Review of scientific literature on strategies for intervening in disinformation and their effectiveness.
- Design and planning of research in the field of the psychology of disinformation, including online formats, face-to-face in laboratories, activities at the Granada Science Park, and/or facilities of other collaborating institutions.
- Data collection.
- Data analysis and drawing of conclusions.
- Writing of scientific articles for publication in specialized journals.
- Presentation of results at conferences and scientific seminars (local, national, and international).
- Preparation of materials for the dissemination of the project to the non-expert public.
- Participation in projects and outreach activities related to the topic.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Required
- PhD degree
- Demonstrable experience in research related to the psychology of disinformation.
Desirable training:
- Bachelor's/Master's degree in psychology or related disciplines.
- Specific training in disinformation issues.
- Oral and written fluency in Spanish.
- Proof of English and/or Spanish language proficiency, if applicable (C1 certificate or equivalent fluency, if applicable).
Desirable experience:
Experience in research related to psychology topics studied by the groups at the Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center at the University of Granada (see https://cimcyc.ugr.es/en/research/groups; https://cimcyc.ugr.es/en/research/maria-maeztu-unit-excellence)
- Experience in the design and implementation of interventions focused on changing perceptions and beliefs.
- Experience in disseminating research to non-experts.
Desirable skills:
- Meticulous attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
- Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to motivate individuals and groups both independently and as part of different teams.
- Willingness to undertake further training and autonomous learning, where appropriate.
SALARY
Monthly gross salary € 2700
APPLICATION PROCESS
Timetable:
- The administrative reception of documentation will open the 15th of September 2025.
- The application deadline is 26th of September 2025.
- Interviews with candidates are expected to take place in October-November 2025.
Submission of the application and documentation:
To submit your application (from the 15th of September 2025), please follow https://investigacion.ugr.es/recursos-humanos/personal/solicitud, taking into account the following information and including the following documentation:
- Offer details: Annex: 16 / Reference: 1632
- Degree completion (PhD, master, bachelor) and language competence (C1 or equivalent) certificates (if available).
- A Curriculum Vitae.
- A statement of motivation for the position, including an outline of possible lines or topics of research of interest to be developed if awarded.
- Two letters of recommendation.
*Non-Spanish applicants who do not have a valid digital certificate can contact @email to register their application.
Contact details for inquiries about the job:
Academic: Fernando Blanco (@email)
Admin: Ruth Maldonado (@email)
OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
- The working languages at the CIMCYC are Spanish and English.
- The interview will be conducted (online) in Spanish and/or English (as appropriate).
This contract is part of grant CEX2023-001312-M, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033.