Student Assistant (f/m/d) for the Contested Ecologies Research Group

Max-Planck-Institut für Gesellschaftsforschung; Deutschland; Vor Ort; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A renowned research institute in Germany is looking for a Student Assistant to support the Contested Ecologies Research Group. Role involves data research, literature analysis, and event organization. Ideal candidates are bachelor’s or master’s students in sociology or social sciences, with strong communication and research skills. This part-time role offers competitive hourly pay in a collaborative environment.

Leistungen

Access to research data and library resources

Collaborative working environment

Opportunity for professional development

Qualifikationen

• Enthusiasm for energy transition, climate protection, and ecological crises.
• Willingness to independently learn methods and programs.
• Strong attention to detail and teamwork capability.

Aufgaben

• Data research, processing, and analysis.
• Literature research on energy policy and climate change.
• Support with event organization.

Kenntnisse

Knowledge of empirical social research methods

Very good communication skills in English

Ability to work independently

Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel)

Basic knowledge of R, SPSS, LATEX

Ausbildung

Bachelor’s or Master’s student in sociology or social sciences

Jobbeschreibung

Student Assistant (f/m/d) for the Contested Ecologies Research Group

The Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies (MPIfG) conducts basic research on the governance of modern societies. It aims to develop an empirically based theory of the social and political foundations of modern economies by investigating the interrelation between social, economic, and political action. Building on the disciplinary traditions of sociology and political science, the Institute’s research program aims to combine and develop the approaches of new economic sociology and comparative and international political economy. We currently have an immediate opportunity for a bachelor’s or master’s student who is enrolled at a university in Germany and interested in working around 8 hours per week as a Student Assistant within our Contested Ecologies Research Group led by Leon Wansleben.

Your role

• Data research, processing, and analysis from a variety of sources (energy industry statistics, network data, etc.)
• Literature research on energy policy, energy transition, climate protection, and climate change
• Interview transcriptions
• Active participation in discussions within the research group (group meetings, etc.)
• Support with event organization

Your background and skills

• Student on a degree program in sociology or social sciences (senior undergraduate or master’s student)
• Enthusiasm for the topics of energy transition, climate protection, climate change, and ecological crises
• Very good knowledge of empirical social research methods
• At least a basic knowledge of relevant software (e.g., R, SPSS, LATEX)
• Willingness to independently learn methods and how to use programs
• Strong written and verbal language skills in English
• Comprehensive knowledge of MS Office (especially Word and Excel)
• Ability to work independently, with attention to detail, and as part of a team

What we offer

• Onsite work at a renowned research institute in an international environment, with access to the MPIfG’s data and library resources and the opportunity to participate in events organized by the Institute.
• As part of a fixed‑term employment contract (WissZeitVG), remuneration follows the Max Planck Society’s guidelines on support for junior scientists: 13.80 euros per hour for bachelor’s students and 14.40 euros per hour for master’s students.
• A collaborative and collegial working environment. Starting from the application process, we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all employees. The compatibility of career and family is one of our key concerns, as is the employment of people with disabilities.

How to apply

• Upload your full application documents in English (cover letter, CV, copies of diplomas, and current proof of enrolment) as a single PDF to our online application portal.
• We regret that we cannot consider applications by post or email.
• The closing date for applications is December 12, 2025.

ABOUT US

• Talent, creativity, and passion are qualities the Max Planck Society and the MPIfG rely on. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We advocate equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, irrespective of gender, nationality, religion or belief, disability, age, or sexual orientation or identity. In diversity lies the basis for the cutting‑edge research conducted at over 80 Max Planck Institutes.

CONTACT

• Almut Landgraf, Personnel Administration, [phone], [e-mail]

Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, Paulstr. 3 | 50676 Köln, www.mpifg.de, LinkedIn, Bluesky