Post-doctoral Researcher

(fulltime, E 13 TV-L, fixed-term three years )

Reference no.: 2026/140. The preferred starting date is January 1st 2027. The position is initially available until December 31st 2029.

The University of Konstanz is a dynamic and internationally successful research university with approximately 10,000 students. The campus university’s architecture promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and a sense of community among researchers, lecturers and students. The University of Konstanz has been continuously funded by the German Excellence Strategy since 2006.

The advertised postdoctoral position is affiliated with the Chair of Comparative Political Economy (Prof. Dr. Marius R. Busemeyer) in the Department of Politics and Public Administration. The position is part of the research project Radical Technological Change and the Welfare State: Consequences and Interactions Reflected in Public Opinion, funded by DIFIS and led by Prof. Dr. Marius Busemeyer. The project examines the interplay between radical technological change and social policy decision-making processes. It investigates how the AI revolution and the green transition affect labour market outcomes and individual attitudes toward the welfare state. It also explores the role of welfare-state policies in fostering public support for technological change.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting qualitative case studies and designing and carrying out expert interviews and focus groups. The role also involves contributing to the overall development of the project through close collaboration with other members of the research team, as well as presenting and disseminating research findings.

Your Responsibilities

• Conducting qualitative case studies
• Designing and conducting expert interviews and focus groups
• Analysing qualitative research data
• Presenting and disseminating research findings
• Contributing to the overall development of the project

Your Competencies

• PhD in political science, sociology, social policy or related discipline
• Interest and experience in social policy research
• Knowledge of qualitative research methods and experience conducting case studies, ideally focus groups
• Familiarity with quantitative methods, including survey and experimental research designs, constitutes an advantage
• Excellent German and English writing and communication skills

We Offer

• International and interdisciplinary research environment
• Opportunities for further professional development
• Research support and career counselling
• A family-friendly diversity-conscious university and work environment
• Employer subsidy for the JobTicket BW / Deutschlandticket (free public local and regional transportation within all of Germany)

We look forward to receiving your application via our Online Application Portal by September 6, 2026.

Applications should include a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae including a list of publications, and a writing sample. Questions can be directed to Dr. Elisabetta Girardi via e-mail: elisabetta.2.girardi@uni-konstanz.de.

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity, as well as a good balance between university and family life. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to increase the number of women working in research and teaching. We also support working couples through our dual career programme. Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact sbv@uni-konstanz.de, + 49 7531 88-4016).