Stellenticket Europa-Universität Viadrina

We are pleased to announce a job opening for a

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Political Science (f/m/x) (ID 293).

The position is part of the interdisciplinary research group "Technology, Power, and Domination" at the Weizenbaum Institute, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The WZB is an associated partner and host of the research group.

The group investigates the shifting relationships of power and domination in the context of the digital transformation and the redistribution of political agency. The overarching aim is to analyse the interplay of technical, political, legal and economic dynamics that shape technological infrastructures and to identify democratic options for promoting socio-technical change. The group is headed by Jeanette Hofmann and Clara Iglesias Keller.

The position entails full-time (39 hours/week) employment until 14 September 2027, with the last 2 years subject to funding availability. We welcome applications from postdocs at different stages of their career. Specific tasks and responsibilities may vary according to the candidate’s level of experience.

Your tasks and duties

• Depending on the individual level of experience, co-leading or participating in the design and implementation of the group's research agenda, including jointly executing or assisting the research group leader in group coordination tasks
• Developing and pursuing an individual research project
• Publishing research results and preparing project reports
• Presenting research findings in academic workshops and conferences
• Participating in the activities of the Weizenbaum Institute and the WZB
• Contributing to knowledge transfer activities and coordinating with collaborative partners

• A doctoral degree in political science with sound knowledge of political and democratic theory and/or governance and regulation theories
• A strong conceptual and/or empirical research background, demonstrating experience and a particular interest in digitalisation research (esp. platforms and/or artificial intelligence)
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods (skills in quantitative methods are appreciated but not essential)
• Commitment to developing the mission of the research group and interest in interdisciplinary digitalisation research
• Competence and interest in communicating research findings to non-academic audiences and media outlets
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
• Proficiency in both German and English are essential for this role

• Remuneration in accordance with EG 14 TVöD Bund
• Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
• Advice and support regarding visa and residence permit
• A work environment that is supportive, collaborative and encourages open communication
• A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• International, cooperative, and diversified working environment
• In-depth integration into the academic community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
• Institutional funding for participation in academic colloquiums and conferences
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
• Good work-life balance
• Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
• Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job)

We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. WZB expressly encourages women or persons with migration backgrounds to apply.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Yuting Tang, Tel. 030-25491-625. Job interviews will likely take place in the week starting on 28 October 2024.

For more information about the Weizenbaum Institute, see https://www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en. For more information about WZB, see www.wzb.eu.

We are looking forward to receiving your online application by 10 October 2024. We would like our new team member to start as soon as possible but are open to negotiate the starting date. In addition to the usual application documents (letter of motivation, CV and supporting documents), we ask for a writing sample (e.g. a recent publication) and a short outline of ideas for a research project to be developed within the research group (max. 2 pages).