Research Assistant (Postdoctoral Fellow) (f/m/d)

Research Assistant (Postdoctoral Fellow) (f/m/d)

The University of Bremen's SOCIUM Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy, in the working group led by Prof. Dr. Sebastian Fehrler (Department of Political Economy of the Welfare State), is seeking to fill the following position, starting September 1, 2026.

EG 13 TV-L, full-time (39.2 hours per week)
Fixed-term until December 31, 2029.

The fixed term is for the purpose of academic qualification in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG (German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act). Accordingly, your application can only be considered if you still have the corresponding amount of qualification time available in accordance with § 2 (1) WissZeitVG.

Part‑time work is generally possible. Details are to be agreed with SOCIUM if necessary.

The position is affiliated with

• the working group "Economics of Social Policy" led by Prof. Sebastian Fehrler. The working group has two main areas of research: 1. Design and impact analysis of social policy programs (primarily in the Global South) and 2. Game theory modeling and experimental investigation of strategic decisions (especially group decisions).
• the Chair of Economics, especially Macroeconomics, held by Prof. Torben Klarl in Department 7, Economics.
• the Collaborative Research Center SFB 1342 "Global Dynamics of Social Policy" and offers the opportunity to collaborate on a subproject with the University of Graz.
• Scientific services in teaching in Department 8 and Department 7 to the extent of 3.5 SWS, including imparting specialist knowledge and practical skills as well as instruction in the application of scientific methods in the bachelor’s and master’s programs to the extent of the applicable LVNV, teaching export (= subject‑specific teaching for other teaching units).
• Scientific services in research, independent research in the field of policy evaluation with a micro‑ and macroeconomic focus, collaboration in the SFB 1342 research project with a focus on empirical economic research, collaboration with international project partners, in particular the University of Graz.
• Other university tasks, such as participation in academic self‑administration.

Requirements

• Successfully completed academic university degree (master’s/university diploma) and a doctorate in economics or a comparable field.
• Applicants who are in the final stages of their doctoral studies will also be considered. Please note that the doctoral degree certificate must be submitted before employment can commence.
• Very good methodological and quantitative skills (econometrics, empirical methods).
• Proven research experience in the field of empirical economic research.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (CEF level C1).
• High level of initiative, analytical thinking, and ability to work in a team.
• Demonstrated interest in micro‑ and macroeconomic policy evaluation.
• Experience with causal analysis methods.
• International publications in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Conference experience.
• Interest in and willingness to undertake research stays, especially in Graz.
• Good written and spoken German (CEF level B2).

We offer

• A challenging and varied role in an innovative research environment.
• Integration into the renowned SFB 1342 with excellent research infrastructures.
• Integration into the working groups of Prof. Dr. Torben Klarl and Prof. Dr. Sebastian Fehrler at the SOCIUM Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy.
• Involvement in the Diginomics graduate group.
• Close collaboration with international research partners.
• Opportunity for research stays at the University of Graz.
• Financial resources for mobility and research trips.
• Support for further academic qualification.
• Participation in workshops, conferences, and continuing education programs.
• Annual bonus ("Christmas bonus"), regular salary increases in line with collective agreements, and additional public sector pension scheme (VBL).
• A crisis‑proof, interesting, and varied workplace at a cosmopolitan university.
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year (based on a 5‑day week).
• A diverse, future‑oriented, and open corporate culture.
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive working atmosphere.
• Individual training.
• Opportunities for further education and training.
• Work‑life balance through flexible working hours (flexitime) and the option of mobile working (although some tasks must be carried out on site at the FDZ for data protection and data security reasons).
• Free offers as part of social and family counseling.
• Active occupational health management, including the possibility of discounts at local sports clubs or for gyms and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS).
• The option of using a job ticket.
• Numerous sports and cultural offerings.
• Varied dining options in the student union cafeterias.

Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its foundation 50 years ago. With a broad range of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and great innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for the approach of research‑based learning and a strong focus on interdisciplinarity. We actively shape scientific collaborations worldwide in a spirit of partnership.

Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research, and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration, and operations, we are strongly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in a supportive community, and in respect and appreciation for one another. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe, and around the world.

The university is family‑friendly, diverse, and sees itself as an international institution of higher education. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

The University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in science, which is why women are expressly encouraged to apply. If equally qualified, women will be given priority unless reasons related to a male competitor prevail.

Severely disabled persons will be given priority in the application process if they have essentially the same professional and personal qualifications.

For general questions about the personnel selection process and for questions about the advertised position, please contact Prof. Dr. Sebastian Fehrler, tel. ‑58590,

email:

Please send your application with your complete and informative documents (cover letter, resume including list of publications, certificates) quoting the reference number A011‑26 by March 3rd, 2026 as a PDF file via unencrypted electronic mail to:

Or by post to:

University of Bremen,
SOCIUM – Research Center on Inequality and Social Policy
Ms. Edda Böhning
P.O. Box 33 04 40
28334 Bremen

Please note that no photos should be included with your application documents.

Please only submit copies (no folders), as we are unable to return them. Once the selection process has been completed, your application documents will be stored in accordance with legal requirements and then destroyed.

Any costs incurred during the application process cannot be reimbursed.