Now Hiring: Junior Researcher (f/m/d) at ISDC – International Security and Development Center (Berlin, Germany)

Are you an early-career social scientist eager to work on cutting-edge research in fragile and transition settings?
ISDC – International Security and Development Center is seeking a full-time Junior Researcher (f/m/d) to join its Behavior Research Program in Berlin, starting 1 September 2025. This is a one-year contract with a monthly gross salary of €3,241, 30 days of leave, and opportunities for remote work.

Application Deadline: 3 August 2025. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

About the Role

The Behavior Research Program at ISDC brings together economics, political science, and psychology to explore human behavior and evaluate policy interventions in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. This position will focus primarily on societal dynamics in Kyrgyzstan, using new longitudinal data from ISDC’s flagship Life in Kyrgyzstan study.

This role is ideal for candidates passionate about applying rigorous quantitative methods to complex social and development issues. It offers the chance to contribute to impactful academic research and policy analysis in collaboration with international research partners.

Key Responsibilities

As a Junior Researcher, you will support the Behavior Research Program team through:

• Quantitative Data Analysis:
  Managing, matching, and analyzing complex micro-level longitudinal datasets, primarily using R, Stata, or equivalent software.
• Literature Reviews:
  Synthesizing academic and policy literature to contextualize findings and contribute to study design.
• Academic Publishing:
  Co-authoring or supporting the preparation of manuscripts for submission to leading academic journals in economics, development studies, or political science.
• Project Support:
  Collaborating with partner organizations and contributing to ongoing research activities, including grant reporting, fieldwork coordination, and dissemination.

Candidate Profile

We’re looking for someone with a blend of academic rigor, data skills, and curiosity about development in challenging environments. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant social science discipline (e.g., economics, political science, development studies, public policy, or sociology).
• Strong quantitative analysis skills, with hands-on experience using R, Stata, or similar tools for managing and analyzing large datasets.
• Prior experience working in or researching fragile, conflict-affected, or transitional contexts.
• A proactive and open-minded approach to research, including a willingness to work collaboratively in diverse teams.
• Excellent written and oral English skills.
  Knowledge of Kyrgyz or Russian is a plus, but not required.

What ISDC Offers

• A chance to work on pressing global issues—including conflict, fragility, and development—with high-profile partners and international donors.
• A collaborative, creative, and mission-driven work environment located in the heart of Berlin.
• A gross monthly salary of €3,241, with:
  • 30 days of annual leave plus additional time off on December 24 and 31.
  • A flexible work model, including the option to work remotely for up to 3 weeks per year from outside Germany.
• Professional development opportunities, including involvement in academic publications and hands-on project management experience.

Application Process

To apply, please prepare:

• A short cover letter (maximum 1 page) explaining your interest in the role and why you’d be a strong fit.
• Your CV detailing relevant academic training, technical skills, and work experience.

Submit your application via ISDC’s website.

Deadline: 3 August 2025.
However, due to rolling interview scheduling, early applications are highly recommended.

Note: ISDC requests that applicants do not reach out for individual application updates. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About ISDC

ISDC – International Security and Development Center is a non-profit academic research institute based in Berlin. The organization is dedicated to using high-quality data and rigorous empirical methods to study the impacts of violent conflict, fragility, and humanitarian emergencies on lives and livelihoods.

The team at ISDC collaborates with international organizations, governments, and research institutions to develop evidence-based solutions for development challenges in conflict-affected settings.

Start Your Research Career at the Forefront of Global Policy

If you’re passionate about using data and evidence to inform policy, and if you thrive in a cross-disciplinary and international environment, this is your opportunity to contribute to impactful research and build your expertise in one of the most critical fields of our time.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.