The Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is seeking to fill a position in the Research Group “Information, Incentives, Inequality (III)”, led by Prof. Dr. Maja Adena, with
a postdoctoral researcher (f/m/x).
The position is offered on a temporary basis for three years (August/September 2026 to July 2029) and is a full-time appointment (39 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 (http://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.
The position is in the III Research Group within the framework of economic research at the WZB in the Research Area ‘Markets and Choice’ (MC). The Group focuses on a behavioural economics research perspective, specializing in questions of media and populism, prosociality and inequality. Behavioural economics as a research approach within economics incorporates psychological perspectives into mathematically rigorous modelling and subjects this to empirical testing using laboratory or field experiments which are evaluated using econometric methods. The position is part of a DFG-funded project conducting applied field and experimental studies in media economics.
Your Tasks and Duties
• Design and implement experimental treatments and prepare the experiments
• Organize and communicate with external partners or contractors
• Coordinate and conduct field experiments, collect and analyze the data
• Collect data on and analyze detailed individual news reading and information-seeking behavior for the experimental subjects
• Prepare scientific publications and reports based on research findings
• Engage in teamwork and coordinate with project members
• Organize workshops and (international) networking meetings
Your Qualification Profile
• A completed doctoral degree (or near completion) in economics, or a related social science discipline
• Strong background in conducting (field) experiments and/ or big data analysis
• Proven experience in data analysis, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., R, Stata)
• Familiarity with behavioral economics and media economics, particularly regarding information consumption and decision-making
• Previous experience with research on trust, media economics, or political behavior
• Published research in relevant fields, demonstrating familiarity with existing literature on related topics
• Excellent communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex findings to diverse audiences
• At least a good command of German
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a research team
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially in managing data and experimental procedures
Our offer
• Remuneration in accordance with German Federal Salary Scale EG 14 TVöD Bund
• Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
• Advice and support regarding visa and residence permit
• A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• International, cooperative, and diversified 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 in Berlin and Germany (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
• We promote a good work-life balance
• Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
• Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
• Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job)
• Discounted leisure and recreation opportunities with a membership in Sozialwerk.Bund
• Counselling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations
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. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Prof. Dr. Maja Adena, for contact details, see https://www.wzb.eu/de/personen/maja-adena.
Job interviews will take place virtually on June, 24th 2026.
For more information about the Research Group III Information, Incentives, Inequality, follow this link: https://wzb.eu/en/research/markets-and-choice/information-incentives-inequality.
For more information about WZB, see www.wzb.eu.
Have we caught your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your application via our online application tool by June 15, 2026.
