Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x) (ID 421)

WZB; Berlin; On-site; EUR 40,000 - 45,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Public service benefits (VBL U)

Cafeteria/facilities

Job summary

WZB Berlin Social Science Center invites applications for a Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x) in the future department “Politics of Democracy” starting 1 March 2027 for up to two years. The appointment is at 75% of regular hours (29.25/week) in Berlin.

The unit focuses on voters and parties in Europe, socio-economic transformations, and democracy-related research. The role involves independent and collaborative research, workshops, and public outreach.

Qualifications

• Completed master’s degree in political science or related social science discipline.
• Innovative research agenda in political behavior or comparative political economy focusing on Europe.
• Potential to publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Knowledge of quantitative research and methods.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Good organizational skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on projects related to the unit’s core pillars of interest.
• Closely work with unit members and contribute to workshops, seminar series, and research projects.
• Support building the new unit, its research profile and public outreach program.

Skills

Quantitative research

English writing

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

Master's degree in political science or related field

Tools

Stata/R

Job description

For its future department “Politics of Democracy”(Director: Professor Dr. Tarik Abou-Chadi),the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for

a Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x)

starting on 1 March 2027 (date negotiable) for up to 2 years

The appointment is made at 75% of the regular working hours (currently 29,25 hours/week).

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a publicly financed research institution that conducts leading edge theory-based and problem-oriented social science research ( www.wzb.eu/en ). WZB researchers come from across the globe and work across social science disciplines including sociology, political science, economics, law, and psychology. A member of the Leibniz Association, WZB’s research is directed at the science community, policy makers, the media and the general public.

The research program for the future department Politics of Democracy at the WZB will focus on three areas: (1) voters and parties in Europe; (2) the political consequences of socio-economic transformations such as climate change, changing perceptions of gender and sexuality, as well as housing and changing composition of urban neighborhoods; (3) authoritarianism, the far right, and democratic backsliding.

Your tasks and duties

As a doctoral researcher, you will conduct independent and collaborative research on projects related to the unit’s core pillars of interest. You are expected to closely work with the unit members and contribute to the unit’s workshops, seminar series, and research projects. You will support building the new unit, its research profile and public outreach program.

Your profile

• Completedmaster degree (or a related degree)in political science or a related social science discipline
• An innovative research agenda in political behavior, political sociology or comparative political economy with a focus on Europe
• Potential to publish in international peer-reviewed journals
• Knowledge of, and excellent skills in quantitative research and quantitative methods
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English
• Good organizational skills as well as willingness and capacity for teamwork

Our offer

• Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 TVöD Bund(approximately 3800€/month gross)
• Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
• A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• International, cooperative, and diverse working environment
• In-depth integration into the scientific community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
• Thorough instruction and guidance
• We promote a good work-life balance
• Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
• Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
• Discounted VBB company ticket

Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. We expressly encourage women, people of color, and other minoritized groups in academia to apply.

Job interviews will be online and likely take place in the week starting on 23 November 2026.

For more information about the WZB, see www.wzb.eu .

by 1 November 2026.

Since 2010 the audit berufundfamilie (Work-Family Audit) Certificate distinguishes the WZB as a family-friendly employer.