The research unit “Transformations of Democracy” of the WZB Berlin Social Science Center is looking for

Two Student Assistants (f/m/x) (ID 294)

for a period of 6 months (with the possibility of extension), earliest starting on 1 December 2024 (date negotiable), and a weekly working load of 12 to 15 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 (www.wzb.eu/en). 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.

Our research unit “Transformations of Democracy” (Director: Prof. Daniel Ziblatt) analyses trends in democratization, the emergence of new challenges to democracy, as well as the changing understanding of democracies for citizens and political elites. We come up with novel and innovative means that help to cope with new pressures on democracy around the world.

Your tasks and duties

• Supporting researchers with tasks such as literature reviews, empirical data collection, statistical analysis, and editorial work (manuscripts, social media, and the department’s website)
• Proactively engage with the vibrant research environment of the unit and the WZB in general

• Bachelor’s or Master’s student in Social Sciences (Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology) or a student with strong background in Applied Statistics
• Knowledge of R, Python or Stata (and willingness to work with R)
• Experience in quantitative text analysis
• Very good command of English and German
• Experience with and interest in website maintenance and social media
• A substantive interest in transformations of democracy in Germany and globally since mid-19th century

Desired, but not necessary qualifications:

• Successful participation in courses on quantitative analysis or applied statistics (or prior experiences in these fields)
• Experience in survey research, processing and cleaning of large datasets
• Knowledge of LaTex

• Remuneration according to the TdL guidelines (currently EUR 13.25 per hour)
• A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• International, cooperative, and diverse 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
• We promote a good work-life balance
• Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms

Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. 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.

Further information
Job interviews will likely take place in the week starting on 21 October 2024.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Bambi Dupslaff, application-dps[at]wzb.eu.

For more information about the research unit “Transformations of Democracy,” follow this link: wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-political-systems/transformations-of-democracy.
For more information about WZB, see www.wzb.eu.

Have we sparked your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your online application (consisting of a letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, transcript of records, copies of relevant certificates, and certificate of enrolment) by 13 October 2024.