Learning Sciences Laboratory, Peking University
Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Learning Sciences Laboratory, Peking University
The Learning Sciences Laboratory at the Graduate School of Education, Peking University, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow with a strong focus on developmental science and educational technology. Our interdisciplinary research team employs a variety of methodologies, including behavioral experiments, design-based research, eye tracking, EEG, and LENA, to explore the mechanisms and environments that support learning and development across the lifespan. For more information, see https://pkuls.pku.edu.cn/.
The postdoctoral fellow will contribute to projects focused on creating and evaluating AI-powered, culturally authentic interventions designed to empower parents from diverse ethnocultural and socio-economic backgrounds in fostering young children’s cognitive development. We also encourage fellows to also develop their own research program within the fields of learning sciences and/or developmental science, making use of the laboratory’s unique resources to expand your research scope. This 2-year position offers a competitive 12-month salary, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes childcare, healthcare and schooling benefits, and subsidized housing, in accordance with Peking University’s policies.
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Ran Wei is an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of Education, Peking University. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on understanding how contextual factors influence children’s language, executive functioning (EF), and future thinking. Situated at the intersection of developmental psychology, psycholinguistics, cognitive neuroscience, educational technology, and early childhood education, Dr. Wei’s work covers three key areas:
1. The influence of the family environment, including caregivers’ communicative input and beliefs, on early language, EF, and future thinking.
2. How early language, EF, and future thinking unfold in diverse socio-cultural contexts.
3. The design and evaluation of AI-powered interventions that empower parents from diverse backgrounds to support their children’s cognitive development.
For more information, please visit https://english.gse.pku.
Eligibility and Application Requirements:
The ideal candidate will have robust training in quantitative research methods and a strong disciplinary foundation in the learning sciences, cognitive science, developmental or educational psychology, educational technology, or computer science. Candidates should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field and demonstrate scholarly productivity appropriate to their career stage.
Native or strong proficiency in Chinese is required to support efficient communication with participating families and to conduct research activities in Chinese-language contexts.
Application materials should include the following:
– A cover letter (1-2 pages; the goal is to help us get to know you quickly while minimizing burden on applicants. We will have opportunities to learn more about your background and interests during subsequent conversations)
– A CV
– 1-3 journal articles (either in English or Chinese) that best represent your scientific expertise and career potential.
Please compile all required documents into a single PDF file, arranged in the following order: cover letter, CV, and journal articles. Submit your application to Dr. Ran Wei at ranwei@pku.edu.cn (early submission, ideally before February 15, 2026, is strongly encouraged, as several external fellowship deadlines fall in late February). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Closing Date:
Contact: ranwei@pku.edu.cn