LOGO

At the University of Bremen, the SOCIUM - Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy, the working group „Global Social Policy“ of Prof. Dr. Sarah Berens is offering the following position, starting as soon as possible, as a  

Research Assistant (f/m/d)
Salary group 13 TV-L
with 75% of the weekly working hours (29.4 hours)
for a maximum fixed term until September 30, 2028

The time limitation is based on § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, i.e. temporary science employment act). Therefore your application can only be considered if you still have the corresponding amount of qualification time available in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG.

The offered position is situated at the department “Political Economy of the Welfare State“ of the SOCIUM – Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy, in the working group “Global Social Policy” headed by Prof. Dr. Sarah Berens. Research at the “Global Social Policy” working group contributes to the field of political economy, comparative political science, social policy, and welfare states, primarily with a focus on countries of the Global South, especially Latin America. We are looking for a social scientist with an interest in empirical research in the field of comparative political economy and knowledge of quantitative methods.

Your tasks:

• Academic services in teaching in the field of comparative political science, comparative political economy, or applied quantitative methods to the extent of 3 SWS (including teaching specialist knowledge and practical skills as well as instruction in the application of scientific methods in bachelor's and master's degree programs), in addition:  
  • Supervision of BA theses
• Scientific services in research, collaboration on research projects
  • Independent empirical research in the field of comparative political economy, comparative political science, political behavior, and/or empirical democracy research
  • Collaboration on research projects of the „Global Social Policy“ Working Group (e.g., collaboration in the collection of standardized survey data and conducting survey experiments, e.g., in Mexico)
• Own scientific research,
  • Participation in the department's structured BIGSSS doctoral program, which offers advanced training in methodology and research contents
• Other university tasks, such as participation in academic self-administration and administrative tasks (to a limited extent)

Your profile:

• An above-average completed academic university degree (master's/university diploma) in political science, social sciences, or a related discipline with an interest in political economy and empirical research on developing and emerging countries
• Applicants who are in the final phase of their master's degree will also be considered. Please note that the master's degree certificate must be submitted in order to be hired.
• Knowledge of quantitative methods (e.g. analysis of survey data, multivariate regressions, etc.)
• Programming skills in R (knowledge of Python is also welcome)
• Strong interest in scientific research and learning advanced quantitative methods
• Very good German language skills (ability to teach in German)
• Very good English language skills (at least B2)
• Ability to work in a team and willingness to work independently

We offer:

• Integration into a research-intensive department with highly motivated and committed members
• Integration into the SOCIUM Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy
• Opportunity to independently develop a research agenda
• Funding for conference participation (by approval)
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Annual bonus (“Christmas bonus”), regular automatic salary increases in line with collective agreements, and additional public sector pension provision (VBL)
• A crisis-proof, interesting, and varied workplace at a cosmopolitan university
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year
• A diverse, future-oriented, and open corporate culture
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive working atmosphere
• Individual training
• Opportunities for further education and training
• Work-life balance through flexible working hours (“flexitime”) and the option of mobile working (subject to certain conditions)
• Free social and family counseling services
• Active occupational health management, including the possibility of discounts at local sports clubs or for gyms and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
• The possibility of using a job ticket
• Numerous sports and cultural offerings
• A wide variety of dining options in the student union cafeterias

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding 50 years ago. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance with great innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for the approach of research-based learning and a strong focus on interdisciplinarity. We actively shape scientific collaborations worldwide in a spirit of partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research, and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration, and operations, we are strongly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to dare new things, in a supportive community, and in respect and appreciation for one another. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe, and around the world.

The university is family-friendly, diverse, and sees itself as an international institution of higher education. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

The University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, which is why women are expressly encouraged to apply. If equally qualified, women will be given priority unless reasons related to a male competitor prevail.

Severely disabled persons will be given priority when applying if they have essentially the same professional and personal qualifications.

For general questions about the personnel selection process and for questions about the content of the advertised position, please contact: Prof. Dr. Sarah Berens, email: sarah.berens@uni-bremen.de

Please send your application with your complete and informative documents (cover letter, CV, proof of qualifications, copies of certificates) by June 19, 2025, as a PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: gsp@uni-bremen.de

or by post to

University of Bremen
SOCIUM – Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy
Administration, Ms. Stefanie Rühmann
P.O. Box 33 04 40
28334 Bremen

Please note that no photos should be included with your application documents.

Please submit only copies (no folders), as we cannot return them. After the selection process has been completed, your application documents will be stored in accordance with legal requirements and then destroyed.

Any costs incurred for the application process cannot be reimbursed.