Student Assistant (ID 407) Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gGmbH (WZB)

About us

For its research unit Global Sociology, led by Professor Yasemin Soysal, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for 

A Student Assistant (ID 407)

on a temporary basis, from 01 October 2026 to 31 December 2027 for up to 19 hours per week.

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a publicly financed research institution that conducts leading 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 research agenda of the research unit Global Sociology ranges from the identification of macro and microlevel diffusions of global cultural scripts, institutional frameworks and practices; their effect on individual and collective actors’ cognition, behavior and outcomes; and the paradoxical implications of the inconsistencies within and across globalized scripts and the contestation and change they generate.  Of particular interest is the current contestations of the liberal world order and its underlying liberal cultural script, with ongoing projects in the fields of climate change and science and knowledge production. The student assistant is to assist the members of the research group in the design and production of innovative empirical solutions to this end, as well as in the publications produced in this context. The ideal candidate, thus, will need to have a theoretical interest in the topics and the methodological skills to contribute to a challenging research environment.

Your tasks

Supporting Professor Soysal and her team with tasks such as 

• Research and review of literature;
• Collection, analysis, and visualization of data;
• Editorial work on and discussion of manuscripts. 

Your profile

• Bachelor’s or Master’s student in Sociology or a related social science discipline
• Excellent course achievements
• Very good command of written and spoken English language

Desired qualifications: 

• Knowledge of theories and debates in Global Sociology
• Knowledge of quantitative and computational research methods
• Experience with or interest in methods of data collection, processing, and management (e.g., using Excel, STATA, SPSS, R or Python)
• Experience with reference management programs (e.g., Zotero, Citavi, EndNote)

Our offer

• Remuneration according to the TdL guidelines (currently €15.20 per hour without a Bachelor's degree and €15.81 per hour with a Bachelor's degree)
• 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
• Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
• Discounted leisure and recreation opportunities with a membership in Sozialwerk.Bund
• Counselling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations

https://www.wzb.euYour application

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.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Lina Hayek at lina.hayek[at]wzb.eu 

Job interviews are expected to take place on 27 August 2026. Candidates invited for an interview will be asked to provide an academic reference letter.

For more information about Global Sociology, follow this LINK.

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

Have we caught your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your application via our online application tool by 9 August 2026.