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Research assistant (postdoc) Political and Social Sciences (f/m/d) Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften – Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft Exzellenzcluster Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)
Research assistant (postdoc) (f/m/d)
full-time job
limited till 31.12.2029
salary grade (Entgeltgruppe) 13 TV-L FU
reference code: Global_SCRIPTS_PostDoc_2027
The Freie Universität Berlin invites applications for a research assistant position (Postdoc) (f/m/d) at the Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS (Contestations of the Liberal Script).
The Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS (Contestations of the Liberal Script) examines why liberal democracies around the world face growing pressure and what strengthens their resilience. Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under the German Excellence Strategy since 2019, SCRIPTS is hosted by Freie Universität Berlin partners with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the Hertie School, the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
The Global SCRIPTS Postdoctoral position is intended for outstanding early-career researchers who obtained their doctoral degree within the last three years and have acquired at least one year of research experience outside Europe, either during or after their PhD. The position offers the successful candidate the opportunity to independently carry out a two-year research project that aligns either with the SCRIPTS research agenda for the second funding period or with one of the ongoing SCRIPTS research projects. The postdoctoral project has to be implemented in cooperation with one of SCRIPTS- international partner institutions. The primary objective of the Global SCRIPTS Postdoctoral position is to foster academic exchange between institutions in the Global North and the Global South. Accordingly, applicants who obtained their doctoral degree at an institution in the Global North are expected to conduct a research stay of up to nine months at a SCRIPTS partner institution in the Global South. Conversely, applicants who obtained their doctoral degree at an institution in the Global South are expected to spend up to nine months at a SCRIPTS partner institution in the Global North. The project is expected to result in at least one collaborative academic output (e. g. workshop, conference panel, or co-authored paper) developed in cooperation with a SCRIPTS Principal Investigator (PI). Additional funding will be available to support these collaborative activities as well as other project-related expenses, such as workshops and research travel.
Applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with:
(A) the SCRIPTS Research Agenda for the second funding period (https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/publications/working-paper-series/Working-Paper-60-2025/SCRIPTS_Working_Paper_60_WEB.pdf);
(B) the ongoing SCRIPTS research projects (https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/research/research-projects/General-Research-Projects/index.html); and
(C) the network of SCRIPTS international partner institutions, where the proposed research stay may be hosted (https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/about-us/internationalization/index.html).
The selection is done according to the SCRIPTS Diversity Rules & Guidelines: https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/about-us/Diversity/Diversity_Rules_Guidelines/index.html
Job description:
- Conduct independent research on a topic aligned with the current SCRIPTS research agenda or with one of the ongoing research projects at SCRIPTS
- Research activities with the objective of developing a joint scholarly output (e. g. a workshop, conference panel, or co-authoredarticle) in collaboration with a SCRIPTS Principal Investigator (PI)
- Publication of research results in peer-reviewed journal and/or relevant academic formats.
- Academic support in the organization of events related to the research topic, including the presentation of results in a self-organized format (e. g. workshop) at SCRIPTS, in cooperation with an international partner institution
- Establishment, maintenance, and active participation in academic collaborations through regular engagement in events and colloquia, as well as the presentation of own research at SCRIPTS and at the host partner institution
- Undertaking a multi-month research stay at a SCRIPTS partner institution outside Germany
Requirements:
- Completed academic studies (e. g. Master-s degree) and a PhD in a field relevant to the position (e. g. social sciences and/or area studies)
Desirable:
- At least one year of experience working in an internationally and interdisciplinary research team after obtaining a PhD
- At least one year of research experience outside Europe, either during or after the PhD
- Excellent expertise in the research topic of SCRIPTS
- A strong research project clearly aligned with the SCRIPTS research agenda or one of the ongoing SCRIPTS projects
- Excellent command of English (minimum C1 level)
- Good knowledge of at least one additional language (minimum B2 level)
- Willingness to undertake a multi-month research stay abroad
- Cover letter (including the PI do you wish to collaborate with and the proposed form of collaboration), CV, one letter of recommendation, 2-6 page outline of the proposed postdoctoral project, and copies of relevant degree certificates
More information: Dr. Brinthanan Puvaneswaran (international@scripts-berlin.eu / +49 30 838 71064).
Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents (see above), indicating the reference code, no later than September 7th, 2026, in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Frau Prof. Dr. Diana Panke: jobs@scripts-berlin.eu or postal to
Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften
Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft
Exzellenzcluster Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)
Frau Prof. Dr. Diana Panke
Schwendenerstraße 8
14195 Berlin (Dahlem)
With an electronic application, you acknowledge that FU Berlin saves and processes your data. FU Berlin cannot guarantee the security of your personal data if you send your application over an unencrypted connection.
Get in touch
jobs@scripts-berlin.eu
Reference number
Global_SCRIPTS_PostDoc_2027
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