Student Assistants (f/m/x) Technology, Power and Domination

For the research group “Technology, Power and Domination” based at the Weizenbaum Institute, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for

(ID 246)

starting on April 15, 2024 and to be employed until September 2025 with a weekly working load of 15 to 19 hours.

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a publicly financed research institution that conducts leading edge theory-based and problem-oriented social science research (https://www.wzb.eu/en ). WZB researchers come from across the globe and work across social science disciplines including sociology, political science, economics, law, and psychology. A member of the Leibniz Association, WZB’s research is directed at the science community, policy makers, the media and the general public.

The interdisciplinary research group “Technology, Power and Domination - TechDo” is headed by Dr. Clara Iglesias Keller and Dr. Lena Ulbricht, as part of the WZB research group Politics of Digitalization, whose Principal Investigator is Prof. Dr. Jeanette Hofmann. The TechDo research group is part of the Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society – The German Internet Institute, where it investigates the restructuring of power relations in the context of the digital transformation. Research is conducted on how certain forms of digital infrastructure (especially platforms and artificial intelligence) and the accompanying socio-political structuring change and redistribute political agency. The aim is to analyse the interplay of technical and political, economic and legal dynamics with regard to power and domination and to identify democratic options for a reflexive and active shaping of socio-technical change.

Your tasks and duties

• Supporting research work through research activities and the preparation of data and literature
• Support in the preparation of publications and presentations
• (Co-)maintenance of the research group's website
• Support in the organisation and implementation of events as well as other auxiliary activities

Your qualifications profile

• Advanced Bachelor or Master student in social sciences (political science, sociology, legal science, public policy, communication science, philosophy etc.)
• Position A) Special interest in the political and legal consequences of digitalization and/or in digital policy
• Position B) Special interest in political theory, democratic theory, or sociological theories; Interest in the political, social, and legal implications of digitalization
• Excellent oral and written command of the English and German language (working language in the project is English); knowledge of Portuguese is an advantage
• Team work orientation, capability to do independent work
• Knowledge of literature management programs (Zotero) and of working with websites (Wordpress) is an advantage

Our offer

• Remuneration in accordance with TV Stud III of the state of Berlin (currently EUR 12.96 per hour)
• A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• International, cooperative, and diversified working environment
• In-depth integration into the scientific community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
• Thorough instruction and guidance
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
• We promote a good work-life balance

Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. WZB expressly encourages women or persons with migration backgrounds to apply.

Candidates are kindly requested to submit the following documents in English or German in a single PDF-file, no later than 18 February 2024 by https://wzb.hr4you.org/job/apply/285/student-assistants-f-m-x-id-246?page_lang=en

• Cover letter indicating your thematic interests and relevant previous research and working experience
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copies of relevant certificates and/or references, and certificate of enrolment

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Yuting Tang, 030 25491-625. Job interviews will likely take place in March and will be conducted in English.

Have we sparked your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your online application.