Research Assistant*in (m/f/d)

Freie Universität Berlin Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften - Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft Exzellenzcluster "Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)"

The Cluster of Excellence “Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)” is a research consortium that analyses the contemporary controversies about the model of liberal democracy and the market economy. The term “liberal script” relates to a set of ideas and institutional prescriptions about how society is organised based on the core principles of individual and collective self-determination. The main purpose of SCRIPTS is to describe and explain why the liberal script is being challenged and deeply contested despite its political, economic, and social achievements. SCRIPTS has been operating since 2019 and is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) until the end of 2025 as part of the Excellence Strategy of the German Government and the Federal States. The Cluster is hosted by the Freie Universität Berlin and unites eight major Berlin-based research institutes. Cluster research teams are made up of doctoral researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and professors from social, political, and area studies. SCRIPTS is well connected with research institutes and knowledge exchange partners throughout the world, including political and cultural organisations, as well as civil society actors. In addition, SCRIPTS brings renowned visiting scholars from all over the world to Berlin. The Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS) is the full-time PhD programme of the Cluster of Excellence “Contestations of the Liberal Script” (SCRIPTS). The BGTS offers a rigorous and dynamic English-language PhD programme for exceptionally talented and motivated graduate students in the field of global and transregional studies, bringing together a broad spectrum of disciplines and methodological approaches. The selection is done according to the SCRIPTS Diversity Rules & Guidelines: https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/about-us/Diversity/SCRIPTS_-Diversity_-Rules-_-Guidelines1/index.html The availability of the research positions for the 2025 intake is subject to the project renewal of the SCRIPTS Cluster of Excellence

2 Positions Research assistant (praedoc) (m/f/d) of BGTS

with 65% part-time job limited to 3 years salary grade (Entgeltgruppe) 13 TV-L FU (subject to the approval of a further request from the Cluster of Excellence) reference code: SCRIPTS_BGTS_2025

Tasks

The PhD students are expected to conduct independent research and to write a doctoral thesis. The successful candidates will be supervised by a senior scholar at the BGTS, depending on the research focus of their proposal. Applicants should also familiarise themselves with the research interests of BGTS faculty members and indicate one or several potential supervisors in their application. The three-year English language doctoral programme at the BGTS provides state-of-the-art theory classes, solid training in research methods and research design, soft skills courses, and individual supervision. The programme focuses on contemporary contestations of the liberal script from historical, global, and comparative perspectives with a particular interest in global and transregional processes. Apart from social science and historical approaches, we explicitly encourage students of area studies, gender studies, philosophy, and education studies to submit their proposals. Research at the BGTS focuses on the structures, risks, and opportunities of cross-regional interaction at various levels and we particularly welcome critical perspectives. PhD researchers with excellent university degrees should be knowledgeable regarding the various theoretical and methodological approaches in the disciplines relevant to the cluster. They should be open to interdisciplinary collaboration. We also expect excellent command of English in writing and speaking.

Requirements

Completed scientific degree University degree in one of the above-mentioned subject areas Desirable:

Knowledge of various theoretical and methodological approaches in the disciplines A research project relevant to SCRIPTS, presented in a project proposal to be included with the application Openness to interdisciplinary collaboration

How to apply

Required Documents (in German or English):

Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, qualifying for PhD studies in the social sciences, history, economics, law, or area studies; proof of C1-level English language skills or the equivalent (please see specifications for the accepted proof of language proficeincy; most recent CV; letter of motivation (600 words maximum); research proposal (5,000 words maximum) with a timeline for your project; two academic letters of reference Please check https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/birt/bgts/bgts-application/index.html for the exact specifications on the required documents, current updates on the application process as well as the link to the official application platform for the 2025/2026 intake. Applications should be uploaded via the BGTS application portal at: https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/birt/bgts/bgts-application/index.html The application deadline is announced and updated on the BGTS website. For further information, please contact Dr. Matthias Hahn (****@sc*****-******in.eu / 03083853735). Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code, no later than January 31st, 2025 in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Prof. Dr. Thomas Risse: ****@sc*****-******in.eu or postal to Freie Universität Berlin Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft Exzellenzcluster "Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)" Prof. Dr. Thomas Risse Boltzmannstr. 20 14195 Berlin (Dahlem) With an electronic application, you acknowledge that FU Berlin saves and processes your data. FU Berlin cannot guarantee the security of your personal data if you send your application over an unencrypted connection. Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.