Two Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/x) (ID 422)

WZB; Berlin; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration per EG 13 TVöD Bund

Public service benefits (VBL U)

Central Berlin workplace

International, cooperative and diverse

Conferences and colloquiums

Discounted VBB ticket

Job summary

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center invites applications for two Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/x) in the Politics of Democracy unit. Starting 1 March 2027 for four years, with renewal possible for up to two additional years, at 39 hours per week.

You will conduct independent and collaborative research, contribute to unit workshops and seminars, and help build the unit's profile and outreach in Berlin.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in political science or related social science; near completion acceptable.
• Innovative research agenda focusing on Europe.
• Ability to publish in international peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong knowledge of quantitative research methods.
• Excellent writing and English communication.
• Good organizational skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on projects within the unit.
• Lead workshops, seminar series and research projects.
• Contribute to building the unit's profile and outreach.
• Collaborate with unit members and participate in conferences.

Skills

Quantitative research

English writing

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Education

Ph.D. in political science or related social science

Job description

Two Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/x) (ID 422)

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

two Postdoctoral Researchers (f/m/x)

starting on 1 March 2027 (date negotiable) for 4 years with the possibility to renew for up to 2 additional years.

The appointment is made at 100% of the regular working hours (currently 39 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 postdoctoral 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 play a leading role in contributing to the unit’s workshops, seminar series, and research projects. You will contribute to building the new unit, its research profile and public outreach program.

Your profile

• Completed Ph.D. in political science or a related social science discipline (or be close to completion and expect to submit their dissertation before the position begins)
• 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 5100€/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.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Natalia Linke or Iryna Mazynska, application-dps[at]wzb.eu.

Job interviews will be online and will 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.