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GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences

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PhD Research Associate in Survey Research at GESIS Panel GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Sociology

Funding

Paid research associate position at pay grade 13 TV-L, 75% working time, limited to 4 years.

Deadline

Nov 3, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences

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Keywords

Sociology
Survey Methodology
Psychology
Political Science
Python Programming
Social Science
Statistics

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About this position

GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences is advertising a Research Associate (PhD Student) position in the field of survey research within the Survey Design and Methodology (SDM) department and the GESIS Panel.dbd Digital Behavioral Data Sample in Mannheim, Germany. The role is part-time (75%), paid at pay grade 13 TV-L, and limited to 4 years, with a planned start date of 2027-01-15.

The successful candidate will support and implement survey projects, coordinate study submissions with internal and external scientists, help with questionnaire implementation, field management, and documentation, and contribute to the coordination of the GP.dbd together with the Computational Social Science department. A key part of the role is conducting own research on survey methodology topics and turning that work into a doctoral dissertation.

Relevant academic keywords include survey methodology, panel surveys, digital behavioral data, questionnaire design, social science, and quantitative research tools such as R, LimeSurvey, LaTeX, and Python. The post is especially suitable for candidates with a strong social science background and interest in combining surveys with digital behavioral data.

Eligibility highlights include an above-average university degree, ideally a Master’s in sociology, psychology, political science, or survey methodology; experience with panel surveys and data; and very good German and English skills. Experience with digital behavioral data is an advantage, as is familiarity with questionnaire design and syntax-based statistical software.

Applications must be submitted via the online portal by 2026-11-03. Contact persons listed are Dr. Steffen Pötzschke for questions about the role and Helena Rustler for questions about the application process.

Funding details

Paid research associate position at pay grade 13 TV-L, 75% working time, limited to 4 years.

What's required

Above-average university degree, e.g. a Master's, in a social science subject such as sociology, psychology, political science, or survey methodology, ideally with a focus on survey methods. Experience with panel surveys and data is expected; experience in questionnaire design is an advantage. Knowledge of handling digital behavioral data such as social media data is an advantage. Knowledge of syntax-based statistical software, preferably R, is required; knowledge of LimeSurvey, LaTeX, or Python is an advantage. Native-level or comparable German skills and very good English skills in speaking and writing are required. Applicants should be proactive, organized, efficient, and strong in cooperation and communication.

How to apply

Apply online through the GESIS application portal by 2026-11-03. For questions about the role, contact Dr. Steffen Pötzschke; for application process questions, contact Helena Rustler by email.

More information can be found here

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