Job Opportunity

For its research group “Globalization, Work and Production”, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for

a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (f/m/x) (ID 417)

to be employed full-time (39 hours/week) until 31 December 2030. The preferred starting date is 01 January 2027. The workplace of this position is Berlin.

The WZB is the leading social science research institute in Germany and stands among the world’s most renowned institutes in this field. At the WZB, researchers from around the world with diverse methodological and disciplinary backgrounds—including sociology, political science, economics, and law—conduct research. They engage in problem-oriented basic research that addresses major societal challenges. The research is theory-driven, practice-oriented, often long-term, and internationally comparative. At the same time, the WZB promotes the exchange between research and society in various formats. The WZB is a nonprofit limited liability company (GmbH) and a member of the Leibniz Association. It is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Berlin.

The “Globalization, Work, and Production” research group examines changes in the world of work in the context of technological change and globalization. Key current research topics include the digitalization and automation of work, the diffusion of AI technologies in the workplace, and processes of industrialization and deindustrialization.

 

Your tasks and duties

  • Contributing conceptually and empirically to the research program of the group and to the study of technological change in the workplace in one of the research fields of the group, such as processes of digitalization and automation in the workplace; processes of shaping, negotiating and enacting AI technologies in the workplace; transformation of work contents, work organization, skills and industrial relations in processes of technological change; transformation of manufacturing industries, service sectors, or the public administration
  • Designing and implementing empirical studies
  • Publishing empirically grounded research, partly in cooperation with other unit researchers, preferably in international, peer-reviewed journals
  • Collaborating in designing and drafting project proposals for further funding

  • Participating in dissemination activities targeting scientific and non-scientific audiences

     

Your qualifications profile

  • An innovative and creative research agenda
  • Very good university degree, preferably in sociology or a related social science discipline
  • A completed Ph.D., preferably in the field of the sociology of work
  • Expertise in research on technological change in the workplace, proven through publications in this field
  • A high degree of independence and good teamworking skills

  • Experience in interdisciplinary and international research projects

     

Our offer

  • Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 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 (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 offering a wide selection of fresh dishes and salads
  • 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. Martin Krzywdzinski (+49 30 25491 538). Job interviews will likely take place in the week starting on October 19, 2026.

For more information about the research group “Globalization, Work and Production”, follow this link: https://www.wzb.eu/en/research/digitalization-and-societal-transformation/globalization-work-and-production

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 September 30, 2026. In addition to the standard application materials (cover letter, CV, list of publications, certificates), please submit a 1-2 page outline of research projects you plan to carry out at the WZB.

Apply now