Research Associate (Postdoc) in the Field of Survey Research (GESIS Panel) (SDM-186)

Organisation/Company GESIS - Leibniz Institut für Sozialwissenschaften Department Cologne/Mannheim Research Field Sociology » Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 3 Nov 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 15 Jan 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number SDM-186 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences is an internationally active research institute, funded by federal and state governments and member of the Leibniz Association. Starting onJanuary 15, 2027, the GESIS Panel Team, Department Survey Design & MethodologyinMannheim, is looking for a Research Associate (Postdoc) in the Field of Survey Research (GESIS Panel)

(Salary group 13 TV-L, working time 100 %, initially for a fixed term of 4 years)

The department Survey Design & Methodology (SDM) is both nationally and internationally recognized for its expertise in survey methodology, gained over many years by conducting own research as well as consulting on and implementing renowned survey projects.

The GESIS Panel.dbd Digital Behavioral Data Sample (GP.dbd) is part of the GESIS Panel and offers social scientists the opportunity to collect both survey and digital behavioral data.The GESIS Panel will be integrated into a unified survey structure alongside other GESIS surveys by 2029. The successful candidate will coordinate the implementation of the GESIS Panel.dbd Digital Behavioral Data Sample.

• Collaboration with colleagues from the Computational Social Science (CSS) department to develop data collection designs that go beyond traditional survey research (e.g., web tracking, smartphone apps, data donation) and integrating these with survey waves
• Contributing to the organizational integration of the GP.dbd and GP.pop samples and to the long-term development of the GESIS Panel within a joint GESIS-wide survey infrastructure
• Conducting own research on survey methodology topics, publishing and presenting results, and acquiring third-party funding with a focus on research and research-based services

Your profile:

• University degree (Master's or equivalent) and an above-average doctorate in a social science discipline (e.g., sociology, psychology, political science, survey methodology) with a focus on survey methods, preferably panel-based survey methodology
• Excellent knowledge of empirical methods in social sciences, particularly survey methodology and statistics; experience in conducting panel surveys. Experience in handling and analyzing digital behavioral data (social media data or sensor data) is an advantage.
• Excellent command of R and working knowledge of Python. Experience with LimeSurvey, Git and SQLite is an advantage.
• Fluency in German and very good command of English (both in writing and spoken)
• Proactive and efficient working style, ability to work under pressure, strong management skills, and excellent cooperation and communication skills
• A friendly and collegial work environment with excellent collaboration in a motivated team
• Opportunities for participation in (international) conferences, networking activities, and research visits abroad
• Flexible working hours and regulations for mobile working
• Very good conditions for reconciling work and family life, e.g., subsidies for childcare for children who have not yet attained the age of compulsory schooling
• Holistic company health management and discounted participation in the university's sports programme
• Generous support for your pension provision as a direct insurance policy
• Promotion of your skills through further training measures

Contact

For further information concerning the tasks please contact Dr. Steffen Pötzschke via E-Mail . If you have questions about the application process, please contact Helena Rustler via E-Mail .

Our reference number is: SDM-186

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