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 areas 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 Political Science seeks to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral research fellow

commencing on 1 April 2026. We offer a full-time (100%, 40 hours per week), fixed-term position until 31 March 2029.

The position is located at the Chair of Political Science and International Organizations and part of the DFG-funded research project “VARICRIS: Crisis variations and their impact on international organizations’ governance capacities.” The collaborative project is co-headed by Prof. Christian Kreuder-Sonnen (FSU Jena) and Prof. Christian Rauh (WZB Berlin Social Science Center).
More information on the project can be found here and on the Chair here.

Your responsibilities:

• Contribute meaningfully to the refinement of the project’s theoretical framework and empirical strategies
• Conduct four exploratory case studies (two paired comparisons) of crisis effects on international organizations
• Field research (interviews) at international organization headquarters
• Publication (single and co-authored) of project results in peer-reviewed academic outlets
• Support in project management (e.g., workshop organization, project website)
• Advance your own academic profile and qualification

Your profile:

• Ph.D. degree in international relations, political science, social sciences, or related disciplines (thesis must be submitted before position start date)
• Very good theoretical and empirical knowledge in the area of international organization research
• Experience with qualitative research methods, ideally including elite/expert interviews
• Experience with academic publishing
• Interest in (further) developing your own research agenda broadly related to international organizations and/or crisis politics
• Excellent command of oral and written English; German skills are an asset

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement and 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
• You will be part of a collaborative multi-method research team generating cutting-edge insights into decisive contemporary issues in global governance
• Space to develop your own academic professional profile in research and teaching
• Active support and mentoring by both PIs as well as integration into their European and transatlantic networks
• Participation in professional development measures and networks at the FSU (e.g., Graduate Academy) and Funds for international conference attendance and field research
• A family-friendly work environment with flexible working hours (by agreement, flexitime, and, if applicable, home office)

The position is offered as a fixed-term position for the duration of the VARICRIS project (three years).

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 with us? Please submit your application by 30 November 2025 via our online application form, including the usual documents (cover letter, CV, short (max. 2-3 page) summary of
the PhD thesis, academic transcripts/certificates, list of publications and/or conference papers,
proof of language skills) and the contact details of up to two academic referees.

We are very happy to answer your questions in advance! Regarding application formalities,
please contact sekretariat.io@uni-jena.de. For informal inquiries about the position, please contact christian.kreuder-sonnen@uni-jena.de. Job interviews will take place via Zoom in January 2026.