The Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI) in Hamburg invites applications for the position of
Ph.D. Position (m/f/d) in Legal Studies
in the Field of Media and Communication Law
Starting November 1, 2026 | Location: Hamburg | Employment: part-time 75% |
Fixed-Term position through December 31, 2029 | Salary: TV-L E13 (German public sector pay scale), with placement on the salary scale depending on relevant professional experience
The HBI conducts internationally recognized research on media change and the structural transformation of public communication. By combining fundamental and applied research across media, disciplines, and methods, the Institute generates evidence-based knowledge for academia, policymakers, industry, and civil society. The Institute is distinguished by its close integration of social scientific communication research, legal research on media regulation, and, increasingly, computational methods.
The Research Group
The advertised position is based in the “Formation of Public Opinion” research group within Program Area 2 “Communication Structures and Their Governance”. The research group examines the formation of public opinion as a multifaceted process involving many actors, each with their own agendas and roles. In an environment of increasingly platform-based, AI-supported, and internationalized communication, long-standing questions regarding the conditions for the success of the public opinion-forming process—which is essential to the liberal-democratic constitutional order—are being raised anew. In this context, the research group focuses on current forms of influence over public opinion and the technological and infrastructural dependencies of relevant actors in public discourse. Possible research focuses for the advertised position include the protection of fundamental rights in automated communication, the Europeanization of media law, and the discursive significance of privacy protection. The dissertation topic will be developed collaboratively and should reflect the doctoral candidate’s interests while contributing to the research questions of the program area.
What are your responsibilities?
You will support and advance the scientific research of the research group and disseminate its findings by:
- Provide legal, organizational, and strategic support for the research group “Formation of Public Opinion”
- Support the preparation and implementation of research projects and study components led by the HBI, including preparing expert reports and opinions on youth media protection and children’s rights
- Support the organization and follow-up of academic events, expert workshops, and agile formats
- Prepare research findings for academic publications and presentations
- Coordinate and collaborate with colleagues in the research group
- Partake in overarching colloquia and events organized by the HBI
- Supervise student assistants in the research group
What qualifications should you have?
- A prerequisite for employment is passing the first state law exam with above-average results or holding a comparable foreign degree.
- The candidate should have a strong interest in media and communications law, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration within the research group and program area.
- You must also be able to collaborate within the research group and work well in a team.
- German and English language skills that are proficient in both spoken and written forms
- Basic knowledge of project management and an interest in digital technologies and media policy are advantageous.
- Initial experience in academic project work is also desired.
- Organizational and coordination skills
What We Offer
- An opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. as part of an experienced team at a large, interdisciplinary research institute.
- Participation in a research group working on topics that are widely debated in society (automated communication; digital journalism; balancing fundamental rights on online platforms; media law under European influence; and much more)
- Flexible working hours and the possibility of remote work for up to three days per week by agreement
- Employment at a family-friendly institution certified through the German audit beruf-und-familie
- Parent-child office facilities
- Secure public sector employment under the German TV-L collective agreement, including annual bonus payments
- Capital-forming benefits and supplementary occupational pension (VBLU)
- Employer subsidy for the HVV Deutschlandticket
- 30 days of annual leave plus paid leave on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
- A modern office at our new institute building in Hamburg-Rotherbaum with excellent public transport connection
- Secure bicycle parking with charging facilities for e-bike batteries
- Car parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations (in planning stage)
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact: Dr. Tobias Mast (t.mast@leibniz-hbi.de).
Application
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application as separate PDF files, quoting reference number „26-18-PB2“ , to: bewerbung@leibniz-hbi.de
The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application.
We value qualifications, experience, and potential. We therefore welcome applications from individuals regardless of cultural or social background, gender, sexual identity, nationality, age, religion, worldview, or disability. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration in accordance with German Social Code IX (please provide appropriate documentation). We actively support the reconciliation of work and family life and are committed to equal opportunities. In accordance with the German Federal Equality Act, we seek to reduce gender underrepresentation across all areas and positions.
Please note that your application documents will be processed and stored for the purpose of the recruitment procedure. All personal data will be deleted after the recruitment process has been completed.