Applicants should be well-established within the international academic community, have a distinguished record of excellence, as evidenced by outstanding international publications and other scholarly activities, and should have a proven track record in the supervision of doctoral theses and career development of young researchers. They should be interested in communicating their research findings to the general public.

The new research department should be able to cooperate with others in the WZB’s environment of interdisciplinary social science research. Applicants are expected to present their vision for a long-term social science research agenda in relation to other research units at the WZB.

Ideally, the successful applicant will be appointed to a Joint Professorship (W3) at a university. To this end, applicants must meet the qualifications for appointment as a university professor according to German academic standards or equivalent international standards. In general, the number of teaching hours would be 2 hours per week.

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. German language skills are not required.

Applications must be submitted by 21 September 2025 via our online application tool including the following items: 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) list of publications, 4) a brief statement on current and planned research, and 5) the contact information for three references.

The invitations to job interviews are expected to be sent out in November, 2025. Job interviews will likely take place on December 10-12, 2025. All interviews will take place at the WZB in Berlin, Germany.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact the president of the WZB, Prof. Dr. h.c. Nicola Fuchs-Schündeln, Ph.D.