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German Institute for Global and Area Studies

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Peace and Conflict Studies / International Relations / Comparative Politics / International Political Economy German Institute for Global and Area Studies in Germany

Degree Level

Postdoc

Field of study

Sociology

Funding

Full-time postdoctoral position with an initial three-year contract and possible extension for another three years after successful evaluation and depending on available funds. Salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

Deadline

Oct 15, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

German Institute for Global and Area Studies

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Keywords

Sociology
Political Science
International Relations
Comparative Politics
History
Conflict Studies
Digitalization
International Economics
Middle East
Foreign Policy
Regional Governance
Economics
Misinformation

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About this position

The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

This is a full-time postdoctoral opening in Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Comparative Politics, or International Political Economy. The successful candidate will join the GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies and at least one of GIGA’s cross-regional research programmes, with opportunities to contribute to research, outreach, media engagement, and policy advisory activities. There are no teaching obligations, though teaching at partner universities may be possible.

The research agenda may cover topics such as comparative conflict studies, weaponized interdependence, changing forms of warfare, autocratization and democratization, domestic politics and institutions, international political economy, energy economics, regional governance, foreign policy analysis, misinformation and repression, and the political challenges of digitalization. Applicants are expected to outline a corresponding research agenda.

Eligibility highlights include a very good doctoral degree or submitted PhD thesis in a relevant social science field or history, an emerging publication record, strong qualitative and/or quantitative comparative methods, fieldwork experience in MENA, fluency in English, and fluency in at least one regional language (for example Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, or Kurdish). German language skills are desirable, but willingness to learn German is also acceptable.

The contract starts as soon as possible, initially for three years, with the possibility of a further three-year extension after successful evaluation and depending on funding availability. The salary is aligned with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

Applications must be submitted through the GIGA online form only. Screening begins on 15 October 2026. Required documents include a cover letter, CV, publication list, research outline, supporting certificates, and the email addresses of two references.

Funding details

Full-time postdoctoral position with an initial three-year contract and possible extension for another three years after successful evaluation and depending on available funds. Salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

What's required

A very good doctoral degree or submitted PhD thesis in Social Sciences (Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Economics and related disciplines) or History; an emerging track record of publications in high-ranking journals and university presses; strong command of qualitative and/or quantitative comparative methods; fieldwork experience in the MENA region; fluency in English; and fluency in at least one regional language such as Arabic, Farsi, Hebrew, Turkish, or Kurdish. Desired: emerging track record of attracting competitive third-party funding, focus on Egypt, Iraq, Iran, or the Gulf region, knowledge of German or willingness to learn it, and experience with policy exchange and knowledge transfer activities.

How to apply

Apply via the GIGA careers page using the online application form only. Upload a short cover letter, CV, list of publications, research outline, other credentials/diplomas/certificates, and email addresses of two references as separate files.

More information can be found here

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