Doctoral Researcher in Public Administration / Political Science

Doctoral Researcher in Public Administration / Political Science

(salary scale 13 TV-L, 70 %)

Nestled in a modern city surrounded by nature and with an exceptional standard of living, Leibniz University Hannover offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community.

The Institute of Political Science / Chair of Public Administration and Public Policy welcomes applications for the following position starting May 1, 2026 or at the earliest possible date: Doctoral Researcher in Public Administration / Political Science (salary scale 13 TV-L, 70 %)

The fixed-term position is for a duration of 4 years.

The researcher will be part of the newly established Chair of Public Administration and Public Policy (led by Prof. Dr. Steffen Eckhard) and part of the project BiASD-AI (Biases in Administrative Service Encounters: Transitioning from Human to Artificial Intelligence), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). For more details on the project, see:

Your role

• Contributing to a large-scale research project and its conceptual, theoretical and empirical output
• Working towards joint publications in recognized international journals, including co-authored papers with other members of the research project and the working group
• Contributing to the project’s empirical research, in particular the application of quantitative research designs and computational text analysis
• Develop an independent doctoral research project, ideally aligned to the research project
• Actively engaging in the academic community, including at the research team and the Institute of Political Science at Leibniz University Hannover
• Presenting research findings at international conferences
• Participating in the regular meetings of the members of the research project
• (Co-)supervise student theses
• No teaching obligation, but an opportunity to teach

Who are we looking for?

• Prerequisite for employment is a completed master’s degree in political science, public administration, or data science
• An entrepreneurial personality with a keen interest in matters of public administration, artificial intelligence, and/or computational text analysis
• Strong skills in the application of empirical research methods, as well as in data collection and management
• Problem-solving and analytical skills, along with a high degree of self-motivation and self-organization
• First experience in the application of quantitative research methods; the candidate will be given the opportunity to expand these skills
• Proficiency in coding with R and/or Python and experiences with computational text analysis are an asset
• An international orientation and very good English language skills; knowledge of the German language is an advantage but not required

Equal opportunities and diversity are core values at Leibniz University Hannover. Our goal is to tap into individual potential and open up possibilities. We therefore welcome applications from anyone interested in the position, irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or ideology, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

We strive towards a balanced and diverse workforce and a reduction in under-representation in accordance with the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches Gleichberechtigungsgesetz – NGG). We therefore also welcome applications from women for the above-mentioned position. Preference will be given to equally-qualified candidates with disabilities.

With more than 5.000 employees, Leibniz University Hannover is one of the largest and most attractive employers in the Hannover region. We offer a vibrant interdisciplinary and international working environment, and promote personal and professional development ranging from subject-related skills to leadership and languages.

You will be paid a competitive salary commensurate with a TV-L 13 position of 70 % ( ) and you will be given the opportunity to develop a dissertation within the scope of the BiASD-AI project, receive high-quality mentoring for your academic career and make an impact on public administration/ political science in the context of a large-scale, ERC-funded research project.

Mobile work is possible upon arrangement. We support employees with balancing work and family life , through services such as back-up childcare, childcare during school holidays, and parent-child offices, as well as providing individual advice regarding family responsibilities and caring for dependants.

To promote health and well-being among employees, we offer an extensive sports programme with over 100 different sports, as well as a fitness centre with a sauna and climbing space. Health management measures, such as courses on stress management, good nutrition and relaxation, aim to ensure a healthy workplace.

Please submit your application and supporting documents by March 22, 2026 electronically to