Doctoral Student on Health and Social Inequality

For its research Group “Health and Social Inequality”, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for a doctoral student (ID 400)

on a temporary basis, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030, for 29,25 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. 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 group “Health and Social Inequality” studies the extent, causes, and consequences of social and ethnic inequalities in health. It examines questions such as why people with lower incomes and less education die younger and spend more of their lives in poor health, and how health problems may be both a cause and a consequence of socio-economic disadvantage. The group pursues an interdisciplinary, bio‑psycho‑social approach, combining life‑course perspectives with comparative data analysis, experiments, computational methods, and qualitative interviews. Current work spans four overlapping areas:

Life‑course processes driving inequalities in the pace of ageing and risks of multimorbidity
Environmental inequalities and environmental influences on health and mortality, including the effects of climate change
Migration, transnational family relations, and mental health
Discrimination and inequalities in access to, use of, and quality of health care
Develop and carry out an independent PhD project in the field of Global Health
Contribute to the research activities of the group, including scholarly exchange, presentations, and collaborative work where appropriate
Present research findings at academic conferences and publish results in international peer‑reviewed journals
Primarily qualitative projects will be considered; however, applicants proposing quantitative or mixed‑methods designs are particularly encouraged to apply

Your profile

An excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in sociology, economics, political science, public health, demography, social epidemiology, or a related field
A strong background in research methods relevant to the proposed project; depending on the project, this may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed‑methods approaches
Fluency in English and excellent academic writing skills; knowledge of German is not required
A clearly formulated research interest in Global Health and strong motivation to develop and implement an original PhD project in this area
The ability to work independently, manage an independent research project, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment

The offer

Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 TVöD Bund
Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
Advice and support regarding visa and residence permit
A well‑equipped workplace in the centre 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
Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job)
Discounted leisure and recreation opportunities with a membership in Sozialwerk.Bund
Counselling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations

WZB values diversity and welcomes 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.

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