Research Assistant (m/f/d) Praxisforschungsstelle Görlitz - Reference: 77-2024-PFS Görlitz -

The BMBF-funded collaborative project “Alterperimentale,” mentioned above, aims to better understand the current situation of older adults in the districts of Oder-Spree, Spree-Neiße, and Görlitz, and to support and improve their quality of life. The project in the Görlitz district is a collaboration between the HSZG and the Catholic University of Applied Sciences Berlin (KHSB). The project focuses on research into supporting older adults, family caregivers, and long-term care facilities through technological innovations. The goal of this subproject is to establish a practice-based research center in Görlitz where technological support options can be conceived, tested, and evaluated using co-creative methods. Together with regional stakeholders and older adults, a network will be established to strengthen age-related digital initiatives in the region and stimulate knowledge transfer. As a research assistant, you will play a key role in implementing this research and practice transfer project.

The position specifically involves the following tasks:

• Researching and, if necessary, familiarizing yourself with technological support options for older adults,
• Establishing the practice-based research center in Görlitz,
• Designing, conducting, and evaluating (co-creative) participatory research formats,
• Exchange and collaboration with the Alterperimentale network as well as other practice-based research centers (PFS Heinersdorf and PFS Cottbus),
• Preparing scholarly publications and conducting public relations work.

The primary focus of the position is in the city of Görlitz and, to some extent, in the surrounding district.

The following knowledge and skills are required:

• A completed academic degree, preferably in social sciences, social work, psychology, gerontology, human-computer interaction, sociology, regional development, or similar fields of study,
• Experience in the independent application of social science research methods and project work,
• Class B driver’s license.

In addition, the following are desirable:

• Knowledge of social gerontology, regional development, and/or human-computer interaction,
• Knowledge of design thinking, co-creation, and participation, as well as science communication,
• knowledge of agile collaboration and the ability to engage in interdisciplinary and conceptual work,
• good organizational and, in particular, communication skills when interacting with civil society and local government stakeholders,
• proficiency in using modern information and communication technology,
• Good knowledge of common Office applications and a willingness to learn new technologies,
• Gender and diversity competence, as well as
• knowledge of, and if possible, (research) experience with, the rural areas of the Görlitz district, as well as knowledge of regional characteristics.

We expect you to

• an independent, team-oriented, and proactive work style
• an interest in further professional and personal development, as well as
• a willingness to travel on business within the Görlitz district and within the Alterperimentale’s area of operation.

We offer you

• an interesting position with creative freedom in a research team,
• flexible and family-friendly work hours, as well as the option to work from home within the framework of the applicable employment agreement,
• opportunities for personal and professional growth through targeted continuing education and training,
• attractive employee benefits (company pension plan, annual bonus, capital-forming benefits),
• a workplace Health Management program with initiatives to promote employee health, as well as
• the option to use a job ticket.