The Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans-Bredow-Institut (HBI) in Hamburg invites applications for the position of
Student Assistant / Research Assistant in the Field of
Social Science / Communication Studies – Digital Health Communication
Starting November 1, 2026 | Location: Hamburg |
Employment: monthly working hours between 60 and 80 hours |
Fixed-Term Position Through March 31, 2027|
Compensation is based on rates set by the University of Hamburg. For the winter semester of 2026/2027, the rates are 15.20 EUR per hour for student assistants enrolled in a bachelor’s program and 17.39 EUR per hour for research assistants enrolled in a master’s program. Providing a current certificate of enrollment for additional semesters is possible and encouraged, and will result in an extension.
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 position is based in the research group “Health Communication.” This group examines how health-related communication processes are changing in the wake of digital transformation. They explore communication phenomena in digital environments, ranging from health and “sickfluencers,” to health apps, serious games, AI-powered applications, and chatbots. The group focuses on the effects of these developments on trust in health information, medical expertise, doctor-patient relationships, and health-related attitudes and behaviors.
What are your responsibilities?
You will support and advance the scientific research of the research group and disseminate its findings by:
- Assisting with addressing issues in the field of health communication
- Literature reviews and preparation of research overviews
- Collaborating in scientific publications and project proposals
- Supporting the research group in organizational matters
What qualifications should you have?
- Interest in empirical communication and social research and in academic work
- Knowledge of or interest in the field of health communication
- A meticulous, structured, and independent approach to work
What We Offer
- Compensation in accordance with the University of Hamburg’s pay scales
- 20 days of vacation per year based on a 5-day workweek
- Work in an international environment as part of a supportive team
- An interdisciplinary work environment that encourages independent and self-directed work
- 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
- 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
- Two car parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact: Dr. Claudia Lampert (c.lampert@leibniz-hbi.de).
Application
If you are interested in joining our team, please submit your application materials, including your certificate of enrollment, as separate PDF files, quoting reference number „26-21-PB1-HK“, to: bewerbung@leibniz-hbi.de.
The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Equal Opportunities
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.