One researcher (postdoc) (m/f/d)

Peace Research Institute Frankfurt; Frankfurt (Oder); On-site; EUR 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Flexible hours

Motivated, multi-cultural team

Job summary

A leading peace research institute is seeking a full-time researcher (postdoc) focusing on conflict dynamics in the Taiwan strait. The role involves conducting research, collaborating on AI-driven conflict scenarios, and publishing findings in academic journals. Applicants should hold an above-average doctoral degree and have a strong background in China research. A good command of English and Chinese is essential. The institute offers flexible working hours and a motivated, multicultural team.

Qualifications

• Above-average doctoral degree with a focus on China research.
• Familiarity with the conflict situation in the Taiwan strait.
• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities

• Research on conflict dynamics in the Taiwan strait.
• Collaborate on developing conflict scenarios for AI-supported tools.
• Publish research findings in academic journals.

Skills

Research on conflict dynamics

Good command of spoken and written Chinese

Very good command of spoken and written English

First publications at the international level

Education

Doctoral degree in political science, China studies, security studies, or a related field

Job description

in full-time, in Salary Group 13 TV-H*, for the duration of 2 years (acc. to. WissZeitVG**)

The Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) analyses the causes of international and intrastate conflicts. As one of the leading peace research institutes in Europe, we combine interdisciplinary basic research with science transfer to the public, the media and policymakers. Since 2009, the PRIF has been a member of the Leibniz Association, a national umbrella organization of outstanding non-university research institutes in Germany. PRIF is headquartered in Frankfurt and has a branch office in Berlin. More than 100 employees from research, administration and science communication contribute to PRIF's success.

To support PRIF’s research on China, with a specific focus on analyzing conflict dynamics in the Taiwan strait

One researcher (postdoc) (m/f/d) in full-time, in Salary Group 13 TV-H*, for the duration of 2 years (acc. to. WissZeitVG**)

Your responsibilities include

• Research on conflict dynamics in the Taiwan strait, covering the involved actors and political dynamics on both sides, escalation risks and the military balance of power
• Collaborating on the development of conflict scenarios for an AI-supported scenario planning system
• Supporting the coordination of the Leibniz research network on China
• Publishing research findings in relevant academic journals
• Transferring research findings to policy makers and the general public
• Participation in PRIF’s self-governance institutions

Applicants should fulfill the following requirements

• An above-average doctoral degree in political science, China studies, security studies or a related field
• A proven scientific focus on China research and familiarity with the specific conflict situation in the Taiwan strait
• A willingness to participate in interdisciplinary research, especially at the junction of political science and computer science
• First publications at the international level
• Good command of spoken and written Chinese, experience in analyzing relevant documents
• Very good command of spoken and written English

You can expect

• A motivated, multi-cultural team of international researchers.
• Multi-faceted research work that includes fundamental scientific research, science communication, and political consultancy.
• Flexible hours that allow for the balance of work time and family life with the possibility to work remotely according to an internal guideline.
• A company pension scheme provided by the VBL.****

PRIF is a recipient of the Total E-Quality award and seeks to promote equal representation in the workforce at all levels and aims to strengthen work/life balance. Therefore, this position can be filled part- or full-time. In the case of equal qualification, applicants with severe disabilities will be treated preferentially.

Please send your application documents (cover letter, complete CV (without a photo), 5-page outline of your research project, education and work certificates) as a single PDF to application[at]prif.org with asubject line that consists of your name and the code “China_25.1” (e.g. “Mustermann, Max_China_25.1”). The application deadline is the 12 th of December 2025, at 23:59:59 o’clock UTC +1. Unfortunately, application expenses cannot be reimbursed.

*** Deutschlandticket = A ticket that allows for the use of local public transport, such as busses and trains.