Postdoctoral researcher in social sciences (f/m/d)

The Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS) is the world’s leading institution for technology assessment. ITAS helps ensure that the potential of scientific and technological progress is fully harnessed while minimizing its risks. ITAS provides stakeholders from politics, business, and society with the knowledge they need to take action and with potential solutions to global challenges.

Your Tasks

You will examine the energy behavior of households through online and field studies. Specifically, your responsibilities will include the following:

• Conducting studies on decision‑making processes related to the heating transition
• Developing your own studies in the context of the heating transition and the Future Energy Panel (e.g., adoption decisions for energy technologies, policy design, and acceptance)
• Collaborating on the development of grant proposals, particularly in the context of the Future Energy Panel’s research
• Designing and conducting accompanying surveys of participating households
• Planning and conducting empirical field studies

Your Profile

• Master’s degree with a completed Ph.D. and a focus on the social sciences, e.g., (environmental) psychology, behavioral economics, environmental sciences with an empirical component
• Several years of professional experience conducting quantitative empirical studies (e.g., surveys, field studies, intervention studies), ideally related to energy and environmental behavior
• Ability to work independently, strong organizational skills, and good communication skills
• Very good written and spoken English; knowledge of German is a plus
• Experience with scientific publications and/or research grant proposals is a plus

We Offer

• Science for Impact: Engage with topics of societal relevance—in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.
• Flexible Working Hours: Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.
• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities: We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.
• Family-friendliness: The “KIT‑Family+” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.
• Stay Healthy: Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.
• Individualised Extra Benefits: Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicketBW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location
Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein‑Leopoldshafen)

Contract duration
2 years

Salary
Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contact person in line-management
Prof. Dr. Daniel Sloot

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to:
Job posting number: 320/2026