WZB Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) (ID 228)

For its research department Transformations of Democracy (TD) (Director: Professor Daniel Ziblatt) the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) (ID 228) from April 1, 2024 (date negotiable), to October 14, 2026.

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 department TD focuses on “transformations of democracy”—forward movements of democratization, backward trends of de-democratization, and innovations in democratic institutions and practice to cope with the new pressures on democracy around the world (www.wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-political-systems/transformations-of-democracy).

Your tasks and duties

As a postdoc researcher you will conduct independent and collaborative research on projects related to the unit’s core pillars of interest:

Project A: New Threats to Democracy
Project B: Evolution of Democratic Ideas
Project C: Democratic Transitions and Authoritarian persistence
 (see: www.wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-political-systems/transformations-of-democracy/projects).

You are expected to closely work with TD unit members and play a leading role in contributing to the unit’s workshops, seminar series, and research projects.

Your qualifications profile

Applicants are expected to have:

• completed a Ph.D. in political science or a related social science discipline
• a vibrant and creative research agenda
• 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 14 TVöD Bund
• additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
• a well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• international, cooperative, and diversified working environment
• in-depth integration into the scientific community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
• thorough instruction and guidance
• flexible working hours
• 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. WZB expressly encourages women or persons with migration backgrounds to apply.

Further information

Job interviews will likely take place in the week starting on 12 February 2024.
For more information about the research department follow this www.wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-political-systems/transformations-of….
For more information about WZB, see www.wzb.eu.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Iryna Mazynska, application-dps@wzb.eu, with “postdoctoral fellow application” in the subject line.

Application procedure

Have we sparked your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your online application by 14 January 2024.

Candidates are requested to submit a CV, writing sample, cover letter (in English), relevant certificates, one letter of reference and contact information for two additional references. The cover letter should outline a research agenda for the period of application.