Head of the Survey Methodology and Management Division (f/m/div) at the SOEP

The Survey Methodology and Management team is responsible for all aspects of data collection in the SOEP, including the IAB-SOEP Migration Sample and the IAB-BAMF-SOEP Survey of Refugees. This includes the sampling design for the individual subsamples, the development of the questionnaires and research on selectivity and measurement errors in the data. The employees in this area work closely with the SOEP Survey Council and the survey institute that conducts the SOEP surveys. In addition, the team is responsible for the SOEP Innovation Sample, in which new and innovative concepts, question modules and survey instruments are tested to see whether they can be integrated into the main SOEP Core Study. Another focus of their work is the weighting and documentation of the data.

Your responsibilities

• Technical and disciplinary management of the above-mentioned area, in particular scientific management and coordination of the survey methodology and survey management of the SOEP and the associated sub-samples
• Further development of methods, instruments and theoretical foundations in the above-mentioned area
• Designing the SOEP sample landscape and survey content
• Coordination of SOEP's scientific cooperation and own research in the field of migration research
• Responsibility of the department towards the SOEP Survey Council and the Scientific Advisory Board of DIW Berlin
• External representation of SOEP vis-à-vis external cooperation partners
• Disciplinary and professional management of the department's employees

Your qualifications

• Completed scientific university studies and a doctorate in social or economic sciences with a focus on empirical social research or a related field
• Very good knowledge of survey methodology and statistics
• Very good knowledge of quantitative analysis of empirical data
• Very good knowledge in dealing with SOEP data or comparable survey data as well as in the field of data generation and data preparation
• Analysis experience with the SOEP or a comparable (household) panel study
• Experience in the field of migration research is an advantage
• Interest in interdisciplinary cooperation
• Extensive professional experience in the field of empirically applied microanalytical research
• Extensive experience in the field of data collection in the context of large-scale panel studies,
• including questionnaire development and data distribution
• Extensive experience in the design and implementation of survey experiments
• Relevant presentation and publication experience, especially in internationally peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences
• Management experience is an advantage

As a replacement for the holder of the position Prof. Dr. Sabine Zinn, who has been acting director of the German Socio-Economic Panel Study (SOEP) since May 2024, you will take over the interim management of the above-mentioned division, which currently comprises 22 employees, including 14 scientists, 4 research assistants who mainly prepare research and survey data for use and/or (further) develop corresponding (data) infrastructures, and 4 employees in the area of data support/management (FAMS and Survey Data Scientists).

What we offer

Participation in an exciting research environment and a strong research group, including all the benefits of DIW Berlin's international networks and the integration of own research within the Socio-Economic Panel, as well as the opportunity to gain leadership experience in one of the most prestigious social science studies worldwide.

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 history data.

A modern, well-equipped workplace 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.

A creative and collaborative working environment and an international team consisting of highly motivated junior staff and experienced colleagues.

We promote your professional and personal qualification and development through internal and external training opportunities and annual employee appraisals.

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.

This is a fixed-term position initially limited to a period of two years, with the possibility of a permanent contract. Remuneration is paid according to TVöD Bund, salary group 15.

Application and information

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 06.10.2024 quoting the reference number SOEP-15-24 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 42^nd and 43^rd calendar weeks.

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

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.