Director for the Study of International Relations, Broadly Understood

The Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (WZB Berlin Social Science Center) is one of the leading global research institutions in the field of social sciences. It unites the social sciences to address society’s biggest challenges. The WZB conducts world-class problem-oriented basic research in the social sciences and connects research and society by engaging with decision-makers in the public and private sectors, civil society and the general public. By bringing together scholars from all over the world with their various methodological and disciplinary backgrounds - including sociology, political science, economics, and law -, the WZB fosters a vibrant and stimulating research environment that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration. Research at the WZB is characterized by long-term projects based on multidisciplinary cooperation and transnational perspectives. The current cross-cutting research topics at the WZB are: Climate, Democracy, Digitalization, Education, Gender, Health, International Orders, Migration, and Work. The WZB is a publicly funded non-university research institute and a member of the Leibniz Association.

The WZB seeks to establish a new research department and to fill a permanent full-time position of

Director (f/m/x) for the study of international relations, broadly understood.

We aim to appoint a world-class scholar in political science, sociology, or economics who will establish and lead a team to implement an ambitious research agenda focused on theory-driven empirical research on transformations of the international order and shifting power relations. Specializations might include conflict and war, international security, contestation and legitimacy of international institutions and norms, transnational politics, international political economy, and global governance challenges, such as climate change, migration, trade, or development.

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 German university.

We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. The 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 20 September 2026 via the above 'Apply' button, including in one PDF file the following items in English language: 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) list of publications, and 4) a brief statement on current and planned research.

The invitations to job interviews are expected to be sent out in November, 2026. Job interviews will likely take place on December 9-10, 2026. All interviews will take place at the WZB in Berlin, Germany. The position will be filled at the earliest possible date.

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. via director.appointment@wzb.eu.

For further details about the WZB, please visit our website at: www.wzb.eu. 

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