GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences is an internationally active research institute and member of the Leibniz Association, funded by federal and state governments.
Starting on 01.01.2027 our Department Data and Research on Society, Team Social Surveys located in Mannheim, is looking for a
Postdoctoral Researcher for Longitudinal Surveys (Salary group 13 TV-L, working time 100 %, Limitation for two years)
Monitoring current social developments is a primary objective of the social sciences. The department Data and Research on Society supports the social sciences in this task, by providing comprehensive data and tools to describe and analyse social changes. The department is responsible, among others for the implementation of the renowned European Social Survey (ESS) in Germany, and for the first time also for the collection of German data for the CROss-National Online Survey (CRONOS), implemented within the ESS framework. The CRONOS sample in Germany was recruited in the 12th ESS round, respondents will be invited to participate in at least two panel waves.
Your task will be:
- Planning and implementing CRONOS within the framework of the EU-funded INNOVATE Project initiated by ESS ERIC and further partners, in close cooperation with partners within and outside the institute
- Planning and implementing the 13th round of the European Social Surveys (ESS) in Germany
- Planning, coordinating and contributing to the German Translation of the ESS Source Questionnaire, and the fieldwork materials for the 13th round of ESS and for CRONOS
- Checking and processing the data collected in the ESS and in CRONOS in Germany during and after the data collection
- Presenting and publishing ESS-relevant research in scientific conferences and journals
Your profile:
- Above-average completed PhD (as well as a Master) in the Social Sciences (for example Sociology, Political Science, Social Psychology, Survey Methodology)
- Sound knowledge in empirical quantitative social research including the use of statistical analysis methods and programs (Stata, R)
- Excellent German language skills and very good English skills in speaking and writing
- Ability to plan and implement projects efficiently, coupled with an independent and proactive working style as well as good inter-personal communication and collaboration skills
- Practical experience in the implementation of social-scientific surveys is of advantage
Our Benefits:
- The possibility to gain valuable knowledge and experience in one of the most renowned international survey programs in Europe (Project and data management, data processing and an international network)
- Participation in the implementation of an established international repeated cross-sectional Survey and the establishment of a new international panel in Germany
- An attractive working environment with a friendly and collegial atmosphere
- Flexible working hours and regulations for mobile working
- Very good conditions for reconciling work and family life, e.g. subsidies for childcare for children who have not yet attained the age of compulsory schooling
- Holistic company health management and discounted participation in the university's sports program
- Generous support for your pension provision as a direct insurance policy
- Promotion of your skills through further training measures
Contact
For further information concerning the tasks please contact Oshrat Hochman, PhD via phone +49 621 1246 428 or via E-Mail (oshrat.hochman@gesis.org). If you have questions about the application process, please contact Michaela Schwarzhaupt via E-Mail (michaela.schwarzhaupt@gesis.org).
Interested?
Please apply via our Online-application portal until October 11, 2026.
Our reference number is: DRS-57
About us
Discover what it means to be part of GESIS – watch our recruiting movie here!
GESIS is one of the world's leading social science infrastructure facilities, supporting researchers at all levels of their research projects with expertise and infrastructure services. We help ensure that socially relevant questions can be answered on the basis of reliable data, the latest scientific methods and research information. We help with study planning and data collection, provide high-quality research data, support data preparation and analysis, and finally, data archiving.
GESIS supports you in furthering your qualifications. We offer our employees a wide range of career opportunities in an appealing work environment with a high degree of personal responsibility and creative freedom. With us, you will work in an international environment in the heart of Mannheim and Cologne and benefit from a flexible work environment as well as internal and external networks.
GESIS ensures compliance with the guidelines for the severely disabled and promotes professional equality between women and men.
Full-time positions can also be filled part-time.
As a family-friendly employer, we have been certified by the “berufundfamilie” (work and family) audit since 2010.
Further information on working at GESIS can be found here.