Das WZB ist eine unabhängige sozialwissenschaftliche Forschungseinrichtung, die gemeinsam durch die Bundesrepublik Deutschland und das Land Berlin gefördert wird. Es ist eine gemeinnützige GmbH und Mitglied der Leibniz-Gemeinschaft. Am WZB arbeiten Wissenschaftler*innen verschiedener Disziplinen zusammen, vor allem aus der Soziologie, der Politikwissenschaft, der Ökonomie und der Rechtswissenschaft; sie betreiben problemorientierte Grundlagenforschung. Die Forschung ist theoriegeleitet, praxisbezogen, oft langfristig angelegt und meist international vergleichend. Die Ergebnisse der WZB-Forschung richten sich an eine wissenschaftliche Öffentlichkeit, darüber hinaus an Expert*innen und interessierte Praktiker*innen in Politik, Wirtschaft, Medien und Gesellschaft.

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

a Doctoral Researcher (f/m/x)

starting on 1 March 2027 (date negotiable) for up to 2 years

The appointment is made at 75% of the regular working hours (currently 29,25 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 doctoral 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 contribute to the unit’s workshops, seminar series, and research projects. You will support building the new unit, its research profile and public outreach program.

• Completed master degree (or a related degree) in political science or a related social science discipline
• 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

• Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 TVöD Bund (approximately 3800€/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
• 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. 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 likely take place in the week starting on 23 November 2026.

For more information about the WZB, see www.wzb.eu.

Have we caught your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your application via our online application tool by 1 November 2026.

Candidates are requested to submit a cover letter (in English), CV (including a list of publications), a writing sample, a degree certificate of your highest degree, and contact information for two referees that we will contact in case you have been invited to the interview. Materials should be submitted as one integrated PDF document.