Research Assistant (m/f/d) - Keyword: 50-2025 Elitenmonitor -

The Federal Government is funding the research and reporting instrument "Elitenmonitor" as a third-party funded project which, in view of the underrepresentation of important population groups in the German elite (including East Germans, migrants, women), pursues three objectives: (a) a systematic and longer-term monitoring of the underrepresentation of East Germans in elite positions, (b) the exploration of the factors and mechanisms that bring about the underrepresentation, and (c) the development of evidence-based recommendations for action. The project is being carried out as part of a joint project with the Universities of Leipzig and Jena.

As part of the project, the position holder (m/f/d) will be responsible for the following tasks in particular:

• Technical and content-related project organization and support of the project coordination in the project network,
• Conceptualization, preparation, implementation and evaluation of the empirical surveys with a focus on discourse analysis (public political, mass media and scientific discourses on the East German elite problem),
• Collaboration in the overall analysis (including secondary data evaluations) on the topic of the elite monitor (representation of East Germans in the elites),
• Collaboration in the preparation and realization of events, reports and publications of the project and network as well as presentation of analysis results in appropriate forms,
• Collaboration on the final report for the work packages under the responsibility of the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

Within the framework of the project, there is the possibility (of continuing) a thematically appropriate doctoral project; this is expressly encouraged and supported.

The following knowledge and skills are required

• Successful Master's degree (or comparable degree such as Diplom or Magister) in the social sciences (minimum grade "good"),
• Substantial knowledge and at least initial personal experience in the research field of East Germany or German-German inequalities and/or elites as well as in methods of narrative or discourse analysis,
• at least good knowledge and own application experience of qualitative social research methods, in particular interviews, focus groups and document analysis.

In addition, the following are desirable

• Knowledge of and experience with rural areas and milieus in Eastern Germany,
• Experience in working on externally funded projects in empirical social research (preferably on rural areas),
• Knowledge and experience in the preparation of scientific texts, presentations and publications
• and a working knowledge of English.

We expect from you

• A structured, solution- and service-oriented and independent way of working,
• Willingness to undertake business trips,
• Willingness and interest in further professional and personal development,
• Commitment, reliability and flexibility,
• strong communication and teamwork skills.

We offer you

• an interesting and challenging field of activity,
• flexible and family-friendly working hours within the framework of the applicable service agreement,
• personal and professional development opportunities through targeted training and further education,
• attractive social benefits (company pension scheme, annual special payment, capital-forming benefits),
• company health management with offers for workplace health promotion and
• the opportunity to use a job ticket.