Survey Methodology Researcher (f/m/div)

Job offer of May 27, 2024

Reference code

SOEP-7-24

Position

Survey Methodology Researcher (f/m/div)

Closing Date

28.06.2024 23:59

The Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), a research-driven infrastructure based at DIW Berlin, is one of the largest and longest running multidisciplinary panel studies worldwide, and currently surveys around 30,000 people in nearly 15,000 households. SOEP aims to capture social change and thus handles a constant stream of new and diverse topics and tasks. Its data collection and generation adhere to the concept of the survey or data life cycle.

Starting as soon as possible, we are looking for the following person for the Survey Methodology and Management Division:

Survey Methodology Researcher (f/m/div)

(Part time / 19,5 hours/week)

The advertised position is part of the cooperation between the SOEP and the "Social Structure Analysis and Survey Methodology" department of the Institute of Sociology at Freie Universität Berlin within the framework of the DFG's priority infrastructure program "New Data Spaces for the Social Sciences" (SPP 2431). The position is based at the FU Berlin (EG13, TV-L FU) with 50% of the working time and at the DIW Berlin (EG 13, TVöD Bund) with a further 50% of the collectively agreed working time. The position is initially limited to 3 years. The position will be filled in a joint appointment procedure.

The position is part of the "ENTAILab - Research Infrastructure and Innovation Lab" project, which as a central project assumes coordination and service tasks for the individual projects active in the SPP. These tasks also include the implementation of innovative survey modules and designs in the GESIS Panel, SOEP-IS and NEPS studies involved in the SPP and their evaluation.

What we offer

Participation in an exciting research environment and a strong research group, including all the benefits of DIW Berlin's international networks as well as the integration of your own research within the Socio-Economic Panel.

The opportunity to actively shape the content and data collection process of the SOEP as well as early access to unique and restricted data, including linked panel and administrative life course data.

A job at a research institute with around 300 colleagues, where diversity, equal opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance guide all areas of work. Flexible work schedules tailored to your needs as well as remote work are key parts of our work culture.

An exciting and varied job where you will gain deep insights into a research institute as well as national and international science systems. At DIW Berlin, you will have the perfect opportunity to gain further subject-specific training at an institute where science and politics intersect.

DIW Berlin supports your professional and personal qualification and advancement via internal and external career development opportunities and annual performance reviews.

You are paid according to the collective agreement for the public sector (Tarifvertrag des öffentlichen Dienstes, TVöD Bund), which includes an annual bonus as well as a company pension with VBL Ost.

The office is located in the middle of Berlin-Mitte convenient to public transportation. As a DIW Berlin employee, you are eligible for a reduced VBB-Firmenticket that is partially subsidized.

Your responsibilities

  • Scientific collaboration in the project "ENTAILab - Research Infrastructure and Innovation Lab" of the SPP 2431 within the team of the SOEP Innovation Sample (SOEP-IS) and in cooperation with the department "Social Structure Analysis and Survey Methodology" of the Institute of Sociology at Freie Universität Berlin"
  • Documentation and classification of innovative survey modules in the NEPS, GESIS Panel and SOEP-IS studies participating in the SPP
  • Conducting independent survey methodological analyses on the effects of the implementation of innovative survey instruments and designs in long-term panel studies
  • Evaluation of surveymethodological experimental studies in the SOEP
  • Evaluations and adaptive designs with a view to field progression
  • Exchange with scientific stakeholders on the topic of innovative surveys
  • Presentation of study results at national and international conferences and publication of research results in relevant journals

Your qualifications

  • Completed university degree in social sciences or economics with a focus on empirical social research or a related field.
  • A completed doctorate in one of the fields is an advantage.
  • Confident handling of data analysis methods and software (Stata, R or Python)
  • Very good knowledge of survey methodology and statistics
  • Very good knowledge of quantitative analysis of empirical data
  • Experience in analyzing one of the (household) panel studies involved in the SPP (GESIS panel, SOEP/-IS and NEPS)
  • Very good written and oral communication skills in German and English as well as the ability to present research results to the public and to engage in scientific discourse.
  • Independent, self-reliant, and committed way of working
  • Strong organizational and coordination skills

Application and information

This is a fixed-term position limited until 30th June 2027. Remuneration is paid according to TVöD Bund, salary group E13.

We value diversity and welcome all applications regardless of gender, disability, nationality, or ethnic or social origin. If you’re interested in the position, we are excited to hear from you!

Please apply online by 28th June 2024 quoting the reference number SOEP-7-24 and including a cover letter, CV, copies of degree certificates, and references. Please do not include a photo. If you have any questions about the online application, contact recruiting@diw.de.

In-person interviews are planned to take place in the 28th and 29th calendar weeks.

You can find more information about DIW Berlin on our website, www.diw.de. Please contact Prof. Dr. Sabine Zinn (szinn@diw.de) for more information on the specific tasks and responsibilities of this position.

DIW Berlin


Founded in 1925, DIW Berlin (the German Institute for Economic Research) is one of the leading economic research institutes in Germany. The Institute analyzes the economic and social aspects of topical issues, formulating and disseminating policy advice based on its research findings. DIW Berlin is part of both the national and international scientific communities, provides research infrastructure to academics all over the world, and promotes the next generation of scientists. A member of the Leibniz Association, DIW Berlin is independent and primarily publicly funded.

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