Predoctoral Research Fellow

For its VARICRIS project at the research department Global Governance, the WZB Berlin Social Science Center is looking for

A Predoctoral Research Fellow – PhD candidate (f/m/x)

to be employed for three years, starting preferably on 1st April 2026, with 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 cutting-edge theory-based and problem-oriented social science research (http://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 position is located in the research department Global Governance and part of the DFG-funded research project “VARICRIS: Crisis variations and their impact on international organizations’ governance capacities”. The collaborative project is co-headed by Prof. Christian Rauh (WZB) and Prof. Christian Kreuder-Sonnen (FSU Jena). You can find more information on the project here and on the research department here.
Job description

Your tasks and duties:

• Develop and pursue your own PhD project (ideally related to the project themes);
• Contribute collaboratively to the project’s empirical strategy (esp. regarding the construction of a large newswire corpus and quantitative text analyses);
• Support and co-author project publications for peer-reviewed academic outlets;
• Support project communication (esp. through conference presentations and online tools);
• Develop your own academic profile and pursue relevant qualifications.

Your profile:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in political science, communication science, international relations, or related disciplines (thesis must have been submitted before position start date);
• Prior exposure to / experience in quantitative analysis / data science (ideally R or Python);
• Interest or experience in quantitative text analysis or NLP methods is an asset;
• Interest in developing and pursuing your own PhD dissertation on topics or data related to the project;
• Excellent command of oral and written English; German skills are an asset.

Our offer:

• You will be part of a collaborative multi-method research team generating cutting-edge insights into decisive contemporary issues in global governance;
• Space to develop own academic professional profile in research (and teaching, if desired);
• Access to an original, large-N text corpus (global newswires 1994-2025) for your perusal;
• Active support and mentoring by both project heads as well as integration into their European and transatlantic networks (incl. funds for international conference attendance);
• Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 TVöD Bund (75%);
• Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U);
• Advice and support regarding visa and residence permit;
• 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 and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract);
• 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;
• Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job);
• Discounted leisure and recreation opportunities with a membership in Sozialwerk.Bund;
• Counselling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations.

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. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.

We are very happy to answer your questions in advance! Regarding application formalities, please contact Bambi Dupslaff (bambi.dupslaff@wzb.eu or +49 30 25491 338). For informal inquiries about the project or the position, please contact Christian Rauh (christian.rauh[at]wzb.eu). Job interviews will likely take place via Zoom in January 2026.

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

Are you eager to work with us? Please submit your application in the form of a single PDF file via our online application tool by 30 November 2025, including:

• A motivation letter outlining career goals, possible dissertation research interests, analytical skills, and names/affiliations for up to two academic referees who could support your application;
• A writing sample (e.g. an excerpt of the Master's thesis or a term paper you are proud of);
• A full CV.