Research Lead (m/f/d): Democratic Change and Knowledge

Alexander von Humboldt Institut für Internet und Gesellschaft gGmbH

Job description

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and shape its new research focus area, “Democratic Change and Knowledge”. This is an exceptional opportunity to explore the urgent challenges facing democracy in the digital age, while taking a leadership role in defining and building a new interdisciplinary research area that combines academic excellence and societal impact.

Berlin · Full-time (min. 75%) · Fixed-term until September 2029 (extension possible) 

Your Role

You will shape, lead and supervise pioneering research on democracy and knowledge. This might entail questions about the role of disinformation, on (dis-)trust in science or the role of automation in democratic processes. The position offers a unique combination of academic freedom, interdisciplinary collaboration and practical impact, allowing you to contribute to both scholarly debates and societal transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically develop and lead a new research focus, including building a research team, supervising interdisciplinary projects, and acquiring external funding, while establishing the focus in line with the HIIG research agenda and in close coordination with the institute’s directors.
• Conduct independent, high-impact research and publish in leading peer-reviewed journals and on open-access repositories, as well as present research findings at academic conferences.
• Take on leadership roles in the governance of the institute, actively contributing to strategic decision-making in close coordination with the research directors and other research leads. 
• Build and maintain networks and collaborations with national and international partners across academia, government, business, and civil society.
• Design and implement innovative formats for dialogue and knowledge exchange (e.g., research sprints, multi-stakeholder dialogues, policy sounding boards).
• Engage in science communication, presenting research findings to policymakers, civil society, media and the broader public.

Qualifications

• Completed PhD in political science, communication studies, sociology, law or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated research experience in democracy, digitalisation, AI, sociology of knowledge or disinformation, or related topics; ideally with established connections to relevant network partners and a marked interest in coordinating and maintaining international networks and a strong publication record in recognised academic journals.
• Proven project management and leadership skills, combined with strong initiative, excellent teamwork and organisational skills, and the ambition to take responsibility for the strategic development of the research focus area.
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and, ideally, in facilitating dialogue-oriented research formats.
• Pronounced interest in science communication and the idea of creating societal impact.
• Excellent command of English; willingness to acquire or further develop German language skills.
• Experience, networks or research perspectives from the Global South are highly valued.

What we offer

• Primary workplace: Berlin, HIIG (partly remote work options available)
• Fixed-term contract until September 2029, with the possibility of extension 
• Salary based on German public sector pay scale (depending on qualifications and experience)
• Flexible working models and comprehensive opportunities for professional development and international networking
• An agile, interdisciplinary team with flat hierarchies and creative freedom.
• A strong focus on societal impact, supported by comprehensive national and international networks.
• Extensive administrative support in developing grant proposals, building and managing your research team, facilitating knowledge transfer and organising academic events.

How to apply

If you recognise yourself in the profile above, we would be delighted to receive your application. Please include a cover letter, CV, relevant certificates, a list of your publications and information on your availability. Applications should be submitted via the online form on our website: https://www.hiig.de/en/job-posting-research-lead-democracy/

Review of applications will begin on 3 November 2025. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is appointed.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact annemarie.mutscher@hiig.de.