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The Institute of Political Science – Methods Research Group (Bernd Schlipphak) – in the Faculty of Social Science and Pedagogical Sciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

Research Associate (salary level, E 13 TV-L)

at the earliest possible date. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position (100%) for 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• This position is tied to working towards an academic qualification.
• Contribute to research and teaching in the key areas of the Methods Research Unit, for example through joint publications and project proposals
• Assist in organizing academic events and coordinating academic networks
• Participate in academic self-governance, particularly within the new Methods Center on the faculty level

Our expectations:

• An above-average academic degree (Master’s or Diplom) and a completed Ph.D., both in political science or a related field (international relations, psychology, sociology, etc.)
• Very good command of English
• Advanced proficiency in using R or Stata
• Interest in computational social science
• Interest in the research focus areas of the Methods Research Unit
• Experience publishing original articles in international journals

Desirable qualifications:

• Interest in research topics in the field of international politics/relations
• Good command of German
• Openness to conducting research in accordance with Open Science principles
• General interest in the development of interdisciplinary methodological training
• Ability to work in a team, strong communication and organizational skills, and the ability to work independently

Advantages for you:

The Methods Research Group at the Institute of Political Science is currently a relatively small unit, but it will grow significantly next year due to successful grant applications. The working atmosphere is friendly, constructive, straightforward, open, and respectful. The research associate will be actively involved in the unit’s research and supported in their academic development. They will benefit from feedback from other members of the research unit and from participants in the events organized by the research unit as part of the “Advanced Quantitative Methods” research group. They will be integrated into the research unit’s national and international networks. As part of the institute’s group of ECRs, the research associate receives their own travel budget; conference travel and professional development—such as through summer schools—may be additionally funded by the AE as needed.

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bernd Schlipphak ()

Interested in the position? We are looking forward to receiving your application (including motivation letter, CV, certificates / transcripts and a writing sample [published article or paper draft]) by 2026-10-16 via our online application form at

Universität Münster
Institut für Politikwissenschaft
Prof. Dr. Bernd Schlipphak
Reference number: 2026_09_23
Scharnhorststr. 100
48151 Münster

Reference number: 2026_09_23