Research Position (m/f/d)

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence (IKG) has the following job opening:

Research Position (m/f/d)

ID: Wiss26091

• starting: 01.07.2026
• part-time 65 %
• Remuneration in accordance with E13 TV-L
• fixed-term

The position is based at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on Conflict and Violence (IKG) at Bielefeld University and is part of a project funded by the DSF. The IKG is an internationally recognized research institute focusing on the causes, dynamics, and consequences of conflict and violence in various societal contexts. Researchers from different disciplines work collaboratively on pressing societal challenges. 

The position is embedded in the research project: “Gender, climate change vulnerability, and psychosocial health and wellbeing: the co-production of resilience. The project examines how the consequences of climate change –particularly increasing resource scarcity such as water and food shortages –affect psychosocial wellbeing, interpersonal violence, and adaptive capacities among vulnerable populations. The focus is on rural communities in Tanzania, where women, older adults, and low-income households are particularly affected.

The interdisciplinary project combines approaches from psychology, public health, and environmental research. In a first work package, longitudinal surveys are conducted across multiple communities to analyze the relationship between climate-related resource scarcity and psychosocial stress, violence, health, and adaptive behaviors. In a second work package, interventions are co-developed with local partners and communities, integrating technical adaptation strategies with psychosocial approaches. The aim is to reduce psychosocial barriers to adaptation and strengthen individual and community resilience.

The project is led by Prof. Dr. Tobias Hecker.

Your Tasks

As a Research Associate, you will work closely with the project leadership and international partners and contribute to the implementation of the research project throughout its duration. Your responsibilities will include:

• contributing to the design and implementation of empirical data collection (25 %)
• collaborating with international and local project partners, particularly in the context of field research and intervention development (25 %)
• data management and statistical analysis of quantitative data (10 %)
• contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions combining technical and psychosocial approaches (20 %)
• supporting scientific publications, reports, and presentations, as well as presenting findings at academic conferences (10 %)
• supporting knowledge transfer and networking activities, e. g., organizing workshops or stakeholder dialogues (10 %)

Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.

We offer

• Remuneration in accordance with E13 TV-L
• fixed-term (limited until 31.12.2028) (§ 2 (2) of the WissZeitVG; in accordance with the provisions of the WissZeitVG and the Agreement on Satisfactory Conditions of Employment, the length of contract may differ in individual cases)
• part-time 65 %

• internal and external training opportunities
• variety of health, consulting and prevention services
• reconcilability of family and work
• flexible working hours
• 30 days holiday and additional days off on 24.12. and 31.12.
• good transport connection
• supplementary company pension
• collegial working environment
• open and pleasant working atmosphere
• exciting, varied tasks
• modern work environment with digital processes
• various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)

Your Profile

We expect

• completed scientific academic degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Psychology
• experience in empirical research, particularly with quantitative methods
• skills in statistical data analysis (e.g., R, Stata, or SPSS)
• very good command of English (written and spoken)
• experience with field work in Tanzania
• independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
• strong organizational and coordination skills
• ability to cooperate and to work in a team

Preferred experience and skills

• experience with mixed-methods approaches or qualitative methods
• interest in topics such as psychosocial health, resilience, gender, conflict, or violence research
• language skills in Swahili
• experience in research with vulnerable populations
• experience in scientific writing and publishing

Application Procedure

We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.

application deadline: 14.05.2026

Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.

At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.