The research unit “Skill Formation and Labor Markets” (Director: Professor Heike Solga) at the WZB Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) on a temporary basis, from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2029 at 100% of the regular working hours (currently 39 hours/week). The workplace for this position is Berlin.

The WZB is the leading social science research institute in Germany and stands among the world’s most renowned institutes in this field. At the WZB, researchers from around the world with diverse methodological and disciplinary backgrounds – including sociology, political science, economics, and law – conduct research. They engage in problem-oriented basic research that addresses major societal challenges. The research is theory-driven, practice-oriented, often long-term, and internationally comparative. At the same time, the WZB promotes the exchange between research and society in various formats. The WZB is a nonprofit limited liability company (GmbH) and a member of the Leibniz Association. It is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Berlin.

The advertised position is within the Einstein Center Population Diversity (ECPD), a collaboration of several Berlin universities and research institutions coordinated by Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The ECPD studies the consequences of increasing population diversity for social inequality and health disparities with a focus on the growing diversity of families.

Within the ECPD, the postdoctoral research fellow is expected to contribute to the objective “The Relationship between Family Diversity and Inequalities in Children’s Education and Health” . The objective explores how, and through which mediating channels, family diversity influences children’s educational success and health. Mechanisms of particular interest include:

economic, social, cultural, and emotional resources in the family
parents’ and children’s health
genetic nurture

Tasks & Responsibilities

Contributions to the conceptual, theoretical, and empirical development of the work package described above and to the overall mission of the ECPD
Design and implementation of original research to advance the goals of the work package, including empirical studies based on secondary analysis of complex survey and register data as well as original data collection efforts
Empirical studies based on the Dutch register data
Close interdisciplinary cooperation with project participants, both within and across work packages of the ECPD
Publication of research output in international peer-reviewed journals, usually in cooperation with co-authors from the ECPD
Presentation of project results at workshops and conferences
Participation in dissemination activities targeting scientific and non-scientific audiences
Coordination with project partners, both within and across work packages

Qualifications

An excellent Ph.D. in sociology or a social science discipline, on a topic related to the work package described above
Excellent academic writing skills, demonstrated by publications in international peer-reviewed journals
Excellent skills in quantitative methods and the analysis of complex data (e.g., longitudinal data, multilevel data, register data)
Expertise in the fields of sociology of education, social mobility, and family sociology
Knowledge of social-biological explanations of health (incl. socio-genomics) is considered a plus
Experience in register data or big data handling
Excellent writing and communication skills in English
Advanced organizational skills, as well as the willingness and capacity for teamwork

Our offer

Remuneration in accordance with EG 14 TVöD Bund
Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
Advice and support regarding visa and residence permit
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 mentoring and guidance
Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job)
Counseling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations

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.

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WZB Berlin Social Science Center / Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung gGmbH (WZB)