Research Associate (Postdoc) Political Science § 28 Subsection 2 HmbHG

Institution: Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences, Political Science with a Focus on Democratic Political Decision-Making

Salary level: EGR. 13 TV-L

Start date: 01.03.2026, fixed for a period of three years (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).The contract provides for a maximum extension of up to three years depending on the associate’s achievements during the first stage. Providing that a position is available and that requirements have been fulfilled, the associate may apply for temporary civil servant status in accordance with Section 28 subsection 2 HmbHG.

Application deadline: 2026-01-05

Scope of work: full-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include teaching and research in the respective department or institute. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications as well as acquire teaching experience. These duties are intended to promote academic achievement. Therefore, at least one-third of set working hours will be made available for the associate’s own academic work.

Our research group deals with current challenges facing democracy, as well as democratic political decision-making. This includes processes of autocratization and erosion in democratic systems, political competition in democracies (parties, voters), and the effects of the digital transformation. We primarily use quantitative methods and work with both traditional and digital data. Your responsibilities will include:

conducting independent research in the field of the professorship
teaching 2.5 courses per semester (5 LVS)
collaborating on the tasks of the professorship (e.g., participation in joint projects, in the acquisition of third-party funding, and the supervision of students)

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field, plus doctorate.

completed doctorate (Ph.D./Dr. rer. Pol.) with a related topic
independent research related to one or more of the professorship's main areas of research
demonstrated knowledge of quantitative social science methods, in particular computational methods (e.g., text-as-data/natural language processing, machine learning, web data, etc.)
experience in political science teaching is an advantage
first experience with publication processes is an advantage

We offer

Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements

Continuing education opportunities

University pensions

Attractive location

Flexible working hours

Work-life balance opportunities

Health management, EGYM Wellpass

Educational leave

30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.