Research Associate (Postdoc) in Survey Research (GESIS Panel) GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Germany

GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences is recruiting a Research Associate (Postdoc) in the Field of Survey Research (GESIS Panel) for the Department of Survey Design & Methodology in Mannheim, Germany. This is a full-time, fixed-term post for four years, starting on 15 January 2027.

The successful candidate will join the GESIS Panel Team and help coordinate the implementation of the GESIS Panel.dbd Digital Behavioral Data Sample (GP.dbd), a panel resource that enables the collection of both survey data and digital behavioral data for social science research. The panel is being integrated into a unified GESIS-wide survey structure alongside other GESIS surveys, making this role part of a broader strategic development of the institute’s survey infrastructure.

Key responsibilities include general project management of the GP.dbd, supervision of processes across the research data lifecycle, and data quality assurance. The postholder will work with colleagues in the Computational Social Science department to design and implement data collection approaches that extend beyond traditional survey research, such as web tracking, smartphone apps, and data donation, and to integrate these into survey waves. The role also includes contributing to the organizational integration of GP.dbd and GP.pop samples, supporting the long-term development of the GESIS Panel, and conducting independent research on survey methodology topics with publication, presentation, and third-party funding activities.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree or equivalent and an above-average doctorate in a social science discipline, ideally in sociology, psychology, political science, or survey methodology, with a strong focus on survey methods and preferably panel survey methodology. Strong empirical-methods skills, especially in survey methodology and statistics, are expected. Experience with panel surveys and digital behavioral data is an advantage. The post also requires excellent R skills, working knowledge of Python, and preferably experience with LimeSurvey, Git, and SQLite, plus fluency in German and very good English.

GESIS offers a collegial work environment, opportunities for international conferences, networking, and research visits abroad, flexible working arrangements, support for family life, health management benefits, pension support, and further training opportunities.

Applications should be submitted via the online portal by 3 November 2026 using reference number SDM-186. The position is based in Mannheim at GESIS - Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences.