Postdoctoral Researcher - ARM Project

Starting Date: July 1, 2024

Geographic Region of the Institution: Germany/Europe

The Hertie School’s Centre for Digital Governance invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to take part in the research project "The Long Arm of Authoritarian States", funded under the EU Horizon program 2020. Authoritarian states try to control information beyond their borders. For this three-year project we investigate China’s attempts to control information inside the European Union, and compare tactics, techniques, and procedures with Russia, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. Under the supervision of principal investigator Daniela Stockmann, the project brings together a team of one postdoctoral fellow and two PhD research assistants. 

Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Your main task will be to further the project’s research agenda, relying on qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g. collecting data as a member of a research team, analysing data)
• Contribute to scholarly publications and research reports based on results, maintaining research records.
• Aid in organisational tasks. 

The project is hosted at the Centre for Digital Governance, composed of three faculty members, in addition to faculty affiliates and visiting scholars. The Hertie School consistently receives high peer-reviewed ratings of its teaching and research programs, and houses a number of editorships of international refereed journals. Founded in 2019 in Berlin the Centre for Digital Governance is a gateway to digital transformations. 

The Hertie School prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. The school offers master’s programs, executive education and doctoral programs, distinguished by interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, as well as outstanding research. Its extensive international network positions it as an ambassador of good governance, characterized by public debate and engagement. The school was founded in 2003 by the Hertie Foundation and is accredited by the state and the German Science Council. 

Requirements:

• The position requires a PhD in Political Science, Communication, Psychology, Sociology, Methodology, Chinese Studies, or a related discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of social science research and data collection methods (qualitative and quantitative).
• Strong skills in qualitative interviewing, statistical analysis; and fluency in the Chinese language.
• Prior experience with fieldwork, survey development, or the use of digital research methods are a plus.
• The successful candidate should be a team player and be able to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment.

We offer: The position is full-time with a preferred starting date of July 1, 2024, and for 2 years. Deferral for a year is not possible for this position. Travel for fieldwork, conference travel, and further training is supported by the project. 

The Hertie School offers an attractive benefits package:

• A stimulating English-speaking international working environment and a challenging variety of tasks
• Flexible working hours within the framework of the legal requirements
• 30 days paid holiday per year
• Training opportunities
• Job ticket for public transport
• Roof terrace for common team breaks

The Hertie School is an equal opportunity employer. 

Applications (in English) should include:

• Cover letter explaining the candidate's scholarly career, academic interests, prior experience and skills contributing to the position, and prospective or actual doctoral defense date;
• Current curriculum vitae including publications;
• One writing sample (limit of 40 pages);
• Three references to be directly sent by referees to ferreira@hertie-school.org 

Please submit a complete application by 1 April 2024. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.

Advert information