Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften – Institut für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked SocietyResearch assistant (m/f/d) with 80%part-time job limited to 14.09.2025 Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L FU reference code: WI-WiMi-FU Bewerbungsende: 25.10.2022

The research group “Dynamics of Digital Mobilization” at the Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society in Berlin (https://www.weizenbaum-institut.de/en ) focuses on the logics of digital information infrastructures and (transnational) mobilizations in networked digital public spheres, the dynamics of diffusion and manipulation of information under the conditions of automation and algorithmic control, and the quality of public debates in Europe and in international comparison. International-comparative designs and computer-assisted methods of data collection and analysis (computational social science) characterize the group’s work.

For this research group we are searching for a research assistant with a working time of 80% (pay group 13 TV-L FU). The position is intended to contribute to research projects of the re-search group and to independently plan and conduct research projects in one of the following thematic areas: (1) Influence of platform functionalities on the structures of public debates and democratic processes, (2) Automation and use of platforms in public opinion formation and political mobilization, (3) Diffusion dynamics in digital, transnational public spheres.

Job description:
– Planning and implementation of research projects in collaboration with the research group
– International publication and conference activity;
– International networking of the research group;
– Participation in cross-group and cross-institutional activities of the Weizenbaum Institute

such as transfer formats with network partners as well as formats to promote in

terdisciplinarity;
– Participation in the planning and organisation of workshops and conferences;
– Participation in science communication and reporting of the research group

Requirements:

Completed academic university degree (Magister, Diplom, Master) in the field of media and communication science, political science, sociology, social sciences, computer science/data science or similar.

(Professional) Experience:
– Above-average and pertinent university degree
– In-depth experience in the field of research on (political) public spheres, the analysis of

politi-cal communication in (digital) media or international comparative communication
– In-depth knowledge of computational and data-intensive methods of social science

(computa-tional social science), in particular knowledge of one or more of the following

methods: Net-work analysis, automated content analysis (topic modelling and similar), text

and data mining, etc
– Programming experience, preferably in R and/or Python, and very good application

knowledge in the field of statistical data analysis

Desirable:
– PhD or near completion of PhD in the field of media and communication studies, political

science, sociology, social sciences, computer science, data science or similar.
– Enjoyment of interdisciplinary work
– A high level of teamwork and communication skills
– Ability to work independently
– Very good English skills
– Willingness for further qualification

For further information, please contact Frau Antje Wolters ([email protected] ).

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents, indicating the reference code, in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Frau Prof. Dr. Barbara Pfetsch: [email protected] or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin

Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften

Institut für Publizistik- und Kommunikationswissenschaft

Weizenbaum Institute for the Networked Society

Frau Prof. Dr. Barbara Pfetsch

Garystr. 55

14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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