The Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI) in Hamburg invites applications for the position of
Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in the
Research Project “Safeguarding Epistemic Trust in Adolescents” and Assistance in Program Area 1
Starting November 1, 2026 | Location: Hamburg, working remotely is possible| Employment: Full-time, suitable for part-time (at least 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
This position is based in Program Area 1 (PA1) of the “MUSE: Media Use and Societal Effects” research group. You will be responsible for coordinating the collection of empirical data and publishing the results as part of the “Safeguarding Epistemic Trust in Adolescents” project. You will also work on independent grant proposals and support the work of PA1. Your responsibilities will include:
- Contributions to the SETA JM research project
- Scientific, organizational, and strategic contributions
- Scientific research on epistemic trust among adolescents
- Implementation of the interdisciplinary research design, including strategic and conceptual development and execution of a detailed research plan
- Project organization
- Independent contributions toward achieving project goals and milestones, particularly in qualitative empirical work through focus groups or interviews
- Preparation of research findings for academic publications and presentations
- Participation in the publication of research findings
- Participation in overarching colloquia and events organized by the HBI
- Supervision of student research assistants on this project
- Work on your own grant proposals
- Support for other projects in PA1 and MUSE
What qualifications should you have?
- A prerequisite for employment is a successfully completed degree in one of the social sciences, as well as a doctoral degree awarded with at least magna cum laude honors.
- Experience in the field of science communication research is desirable
- Ideally, the candidate should have an interest in research on epistemic trust in society
- Willingness to assist with project administration; project experience is an asset
- Proven knowledge of data collection and analysis methods in empirical research, particularly in the area of qualitative data collection
- German and English language skills that are proficient in both spoken and written forms
- Organizational and coordination skills
- A strong enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration
- Independence, initiative, and a sense of responsibility
- Motivation and the ability to work well in a team are required
What We Offer
- An excellent opportunity to further develop your research profile and pursue your own initiatives
- The opportunity to become part of an interdisciplinary research group and to be part of the larger interdisciplinary DFG Priority Program Re:Dis: https://www.philosophie.hu-berlin.de/de/forschung/re-dis
- 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: Prof. Dr. Judith Möller (j.moeller@leibniz-hbi.de)..
Application
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application as separate PDF files, quoting reference number „26-22-PB1-PD“ , to: bewerbung@leibniz-hbi.de
The application deadline is September 17, 2026.
We look forward to 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.