The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile lines Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Institute of Communication Science, Chair of Strategic Communication (Prof. Dr. Irina Lock) seeks to fill one position of a

Research Assistant (PhD or Postdoc)
Strategic/ Political Communication

from September 2025. We offer a full-time position/ part-time-position (100 % / 87,5%) for a limited period of time, initially for 3 (PhD) / 2 (Postdoc) years. An extension of the position is possible.

Are you eager to study communication processes in a digital society? In this PhD/ postdoc position, we are seeking an ambitious academic who conducts internationally visible high-quality research. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the research area of Strategic Communication and conduct independent research at a vibrant Institute where you meet motivated students and colleagues.

Your responsibilities:

• As a postdoc, you independently set up an empirical research agenda in the field of strategic and/or political communication (habilitation).
• As a PhD candidate, you independently and empirically research a topic in strategic and/or political communication (dissertation).
• Publish your research in international, peer-reviewed journals and represent the chair at national and international conferences.
• Teach at bachelor’s and master's level and supervise (Postdoc) or evaluate (PhD) theses.
• Engage in academic self-administration.

Your profile:

• Postdoc: Excellent PhD (close to completion) and a master’s degree in communication science, the social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Postdoc: Scientific publications in high quality peer-reviewed social science journals on communication-related topics.
• PhD: Excellent master’s degree in communication science or a related discipline.
• Keen interest in social issues and their public debates, and the role of organisations in them.
• Profound (PhD) or expert (Postdoc) knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative social science methods.
• Ideally knowledge of R, or willingness to learn R.
• Scientific curiosity across disciplinary and theoretical boundaries.
• Proficiency in German or willingness to learn German.

Are you hesitating because you don't meet one or some of our requirements? Please do not hesitate to apply and give us a chance to get to know you.

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale E-13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Collaboration, beyond your dissertation/habilitation, in diverse methodological and theoretical research projects, often interdisciplinary.
• A national and international scientific network in communication science and beyond
• Research and travel budget
• Flexible working hours
• A Graduate Academy for PhDs and postdocs
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Postdoc: The advertised position is limited to a maximum of 2 year(s) with the possibility of prolongation of up to 4 years. Starting October 1, 2027, the position will have a workload of 87.5% (35 hours per week).

PhD: The advertised position is initially limited to a maximum of 3 years with the possibility of prolongation of up to 3 years. Starting October 1, 2027, the position will have a workload of 87.5% (35 hours per week).

In principle, the job is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of the part-time work, will be assessed on the basis of the needs of the service.

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then submit your detailed written application (CV, letter of motivation, for postdocs, your one best publication; for PhDs, your master’s thesis) preferably in one PDF file, stating the vacancy ID 146/2025 by July 23, 2025 to our online form: