The University of Witten/Herdecke is hiring a full-time Postdoc (m/f/d) at its Chair of International Political Studies in Witten, Germany. The position is limited to 2 years, starts on 1 April 2027, and applications close on 24 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the official vacancy and set out the research focus, tasks, requirements, benefits and application documents below.
The Position at a Glance
🏛️ Employer: University of Witten/Herdecke (UW/H)
🔬 Position: Postdoc (m/f/d) at the Chair of International Political Studies
📍 Location: Witten, Germany
⏱️ Working time: Full time, 40 hours per week (100%)
🗓️ Start date: 1 April 2027
⌛ Contract: Limited to 2 years
🏠 Remote work: The possibility of remote work is offered
Germany's First Privately Funded University
The University of Witten/Herdecke (UW/H) is Germany's first privately funded university. It was founded in 1982 and has since established itself as a leading educational institution in Germany.
👥 The university employs more than 900 staff members
🎒 A total of 3,700 students are enrolled in Witten
🏥 These students are enrolled in the Faculties of Health Sciences and of Economics and Social Sciences
How the Chair Studies Political Violence
The team at the Chair of International Political Studies examines the causes and consequences of political violence. Its research focuses on two groups of questions:
🕊️ The relationship between conflict prevention strategies, such as power-sharing, and the risk of civil war in ethnically divided societies
🗳️ The impact of local political violence on voter preferences in OECD countries
Freedom to Pursue Your Own Research Agenda
The chair is looking for a researcher who wants to develop their own research agenda, and that agenda is not limited to the priorities of the research group. The position comes with a large amount of freedom to work on your own research priorities.
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🌍 All opportunities in Germany →
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Openness to Joint Research Projects
Alongside this independence, the team expects openness towards developing joint research projects that translate into funding applications.
Your Tasks in the Research Group
🧭 Develop your own research profile in the field of international relations, historical political economy, or comparative politics
📑 Support third party funding applications
🏫 Teach one seminar per year (2 hours/week in one semester)
Research Network, Conference Funding and Remote Work
🌐 Participation in an active research network, the Conflict Research Exchange Workshop (CREW)
✈️ International conference funding
💻 The possibility of remote work
Qualifications the Chair Asks For
🎓 An excellent doctoral degree in political science, economics, or related disciplines, or being about to complete your dissertation
🗣️ An excellent command of English
📈 Strong knowledge of statistics
🔎 Strong knowledge of quantitative empirical social research and causal research designs
🧮 Proficiency in R or Python
🤝 The ability to work both as part of a team and independently
📚 Relevant publications or experience in working in scientific projects are desirable
What the University Offers Its Staff
🌴 30 days of annual leave and additional days off
🧘 Work-life balance
🩺 Direct access to medical care
🧾 Several subsidies
📖 A continuing education program
🚲 Eco-friendly mobility
How to Apply
Applications are accepted exclusively online until 24 November 2026. Your application should include the standard application documents and your proposed start date:
📄 Resume without a photo
🗂️ Relevant transcripts
📝 Two academic papers or chapters from your doctoral dissertation
☎️ Contact information for two references
📅 Your proposed start date
Who to Contact at the Chair
The contact person named in the vacancy is Prof. Nils-Christian Bormann, Professor of International Political Studies.
Diversity at UW/H
The university states that it explicitly lives and promotes the idea of diversity, and that it values the skills and special characteristics its members contribute. It welcomes all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity. UW/H also actively strives to increase the proportion of women among its academic staff.
Find more international roles in research, academia and policy in the Jobs section on Youth Works Hub →.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Postdoc at the Chair of International Political Studies based?
The position is at the University of Witten/Herdecke in Witten, Germany. The vacancy also mentions the possibility of remote work.
When does the Postdoc position start and how long does it last?
The position starts on 1 April 2027 and is limited to 2 years. Applicants are also asked to state their proposed start date in the application.
Is this a full-time position?
Yes. The Postdoc position is full time, at 40 hours per week (100%).
Do I need to have finished my PhD to apply?
You need an excellent doctoral degree in political science, economics, or related disciplines, or you must be about to complete your dissertation. Candidates close to finishing their doctorate can therefore apply.
Which research fields does the position cover?
You develop your own research profile in international relations, historical political economy, or comparative politics. Your research agenda is not limited to the priorities of the research group.
What is the teaching load for this Postdoc?
The teaching load is one seminar per year, at 2 hours per week in one semester. The other listed tasks are developing your own research profile and supporting third party funding applications.
Which technical skills are required?
The university asks for strong knowledge of statistics, quantitative empirical social research and causal research designs, as well as proficiency in R or Python. An excellent command of English is also required.
Are publications required?
Relevant publications or experience in working in scientific projects are desirable. The vacancy lists them as an advantage and not as a strict requirement.
What is CREW?
CREW is the Conflict Research Exchange Workshop, an active research network. Participation in this network is part of what the position offers, together with international conference funding.
What documents do I need for the application?
You need a resume without a photo, relevant transcripts, two academic papers or chapters from your doctoral dissertation, and contact information for two references. You should also give your proposed start date.
Does the vacancy state a salary?
No salary figure is given in the vacancy. The listed benefits include 30 days of annual leave and additional days off, direct access to medical care, several subsidies, a continuing education program and eco-friendly mobility.
Can international applicants apply?
The university welcomes all applications regardless of nationality, among other characteristics. Applications are submitted exclusively online.
Deadline
⏳ 24 November 2026
Links
Online application: https://jobdb.softgarden.de/jobdb/public/jobposting/applyonline/click?jp=68347888
Position details: https://uni-wh.softgarden.io/job/68347888/Position-for-a-Postdoc-m-f-d-at-the-Chair-of-International-Political-Studies?l=en
Diversity at the University of Witten/Herdecke: https://www.uni-wh.de/diversity
Contact (Prof. Nils-Christian Bormann): nils.bormann@uni-wh.de
