Postdoctoral Researcher - EG13 TV-AVH / Senior Researcher - EG14 TV-AVH (m/f/d) in the Research Area „Arms Control and Emerging Technologies“ with a focus on Quantitative Methods

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg has been investigating the conditions for peace and security – on a global, regional and local scale – since 1971. The IFSH aims to contribute actively to peace by conducting outstanding and innovative research. Transferring knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the institute's work.

We currently employ around 70 colleagues in research, transfer, teaching and administration at our locations in Hamburg and Berlin. Thanks to funding from the City of Hamburg, we are expanding our science and service teams significantly as part of a growth strategy for the coming years. The IFSH is an international and diverse institution. We combine a culture of openness, agility and short communication channels with the reputation of an established and well-connected research institution.

The research area  Arms Control and Emerging Technologies  analyses how armaments, disruptive dual-use technologies, and strategies for their governance interact with great power conflict in Europe and Asia. We examine military capabilities, doctrines, and policies in terms of their inherent opportunities and risks and assess their potential to strengthen peace and security. Relying on approaches from security and strategic studies, international relations, history, computer sciences, and physics, we respond to great power conflict and the associated new arms races by analytically strengthening arms control and nonproliferation.

The position expands the work of the research area by adding a distinctly methods-oriented profile with a focus on quantitative methods. It will examine, in particular, the interactions between armaments, technology, and strategy in the context of intensifying great-power competition in the transatlantic and/or East Asian regions. 

• Conducting empirical research on disruptive technologies, weapons of mass destruction, military alliances, great-power competition, or emerging forms of warfare.
• Applying and further developing quantitative methods, particularly statistical methods such assurvey design, survey experiments, and comparable approaches.

In addition, the successful candidate will serve as a point of contact for quantitative methods within the research area and across the Institute.

The position is advertised at two qualification levels (EG13 Postdoctoral Researcher / EG14 Senior Researcher). Applicants with different academic experience levels are invited to apply for the appropriate level matching their profile.

Tasks – Specific to EG13 (Postdoc) 

• Development of initial research agendas on the topics advertised.
• Publication of academic contributions in international, peer-reviewed journals and publishing houses.
• Public dissemination of research results in society, politics, and the media.
• Development of fundraising proposals and participation infundraising initiatives of other colleagues.
• Participation in teaching within the Institute’s Master’s program “Peace and Security Studies (M.A.)”.
• Contribution to institute-wide cross-cutting themes and common tasks within the research area.
• Building and maintaining academic networks.
• Serving as point of contact for quantitative methods within the research area and across the Institute.

Tasks – Specific to EG14 (Senior Researcher) 

• Independent development and further advancement of research agenda son thetopics advertised.
• Continuous publication of academic contributions in international, peer-reviewed journals and publishing houses.
• Public dissemination of research results in society, politics, and the media; regular public appearances.
• Fundraising as well as conception, implementation, and leadership of research projects and project teams.
• Guidance, mentoring, and academic support for early-career colleagues.    
• Regular teaching in the Institute’s Master’s program “Peace and Security Studies (M.A.)”.    
• Supervision of Master’s students and doctoral researchers.
• Contribution to institute-wide cross-cutting themes and common tasks within the research area and the institute.
• Maintaining and expanding national and international academic networks.
• Development of cooperative research and transfer projects with academic and civil-society partners.
• Serving as point of contact for quantitative methods within the research area and across the Institute.

• Completed academic degree in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Strategic Studies, Security Studies, Sociology, or a related social sciencefield; applications from the natural sciences are particularly welcome, provided relevant topical expertise in the subject area is demonstrated.
• Profound knowledge of quantitative methods, particularly statistical methods such as survey design and survey experiments.
• Demonstrable substantive expertise in one or more relevant areas: weapons of mass destruction, disruptive technologies (e.g., AI), military alliances, great-power competition, or new forms of warfare.
• Willingness to engage in knowledge transfer activities and public outreach.
• Very good command of English; German language skills area plus.  
• Ability to work in a team, strong communication skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary projects.

Additional Requirements for EG13 (Postdoc)​

• Completed doctorate or close to completion.
• First academic publications, including peer-reviewed publications (e.g., articles, working papers, book chapters).
• First experiences in fundraising.
• First experiences with public appearances or transfer formats are an advantage.
• First experiences in teaching ora demonstrated willingness to start teaching.
• A willingness to publicly disseminate research results.

Additional Requirements for EG14 (Senior Researcher)​

• Completed doctorate, ideally with distinction.
• Regular publications in international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven experience in fundraising and in implementing externally funded research projects.
• Experience in leading small research teams or coordinating complex projects.
• Extensive national and/or international academic networks in the relevant research field.
• Proven experience in transfer activities involving politics, society, and media, including public appearances.
• Teaching and supervision experience (MA students, possibly doctoral researchers).

You can expect a responsible and varied role in a socially relevant field of research with a high degree of creative freedom and a respectful and appreciative working environment within a highly committed international team. IFSH additionally offers the following attractive conditions:

• An occupational pension according to the Hamburg model  
• Individual training opportunities as part of our personnel development program  
• A family-friendly work environment, flexible working hours and the option, depending on personal situation and task context, to work up to 60% remotely    
• Performance-based remuneration in the form of a tax-free benefit card

IFSH is committed to promoting the professional advancement of women and is therefore particularly interested in applications from women in areas where they are underrepresented. In such cases, women will be given preferential consideration in accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, provided they are equally qualified. 
 
We promote diversity and equal opportunities. Applications from people with disabilities or equivalent status are explicitly welcome when suitably qualified. 
 
Contract Duration EG13/Postdoctoral Researcher: The position is initially limited to three years in accordance with the German Act “Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz” (WissZeitVG). An extension of up to two additional years is possible, based on satisfactory academic performance and subject to available budgetary funds. 
  
Contract Duration EG14/Senior Researcher: The position is initially limited to two years under the German Act “Gesetz über Teilzeitarbeit und befristete Arbeitsverträge” (TzBfG). Based on satisfactory academic performance and subject to available budgetary funds, there is an option for a subsequent permanent position. 


Your application should include your current CV, relevant certificates, a current publication list, two writing samples, contact information for two references, and a cover letter of up to three pages including initial research ideas for the position. Please apply via our career portal (ifsh.de/en/career). 
 
Application deadline: 18 January 2026. 

For further information, please contact Dr. Ulrich Kühn (www.ifsh.de/en/staff/person/kuehn.