Research Associate / Postdoc (m/f/x)

TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, today it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university as it focuses on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world's most pressing issues. In research and academic programs, the university unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, it offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. TUD embodies a university culture that is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mutual appreciation, thriving innovation and active participation. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution.

At the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of Political Science, the Chair of Political Science with a focus on International Politics offers a temporary position as

Research Associate / Postdoc (m/f/x)
(subject to personal qualification, employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV-L) 

starting December 1, 2026. The position is limited until September 30, 2028, with the option of extension subject to the availability of resources. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG). The position offers the chance to obtain further academic qualification.

Tasks: 

• contribution to the teaching (in English and German) and research activities of the Chair of Political Science with a focus on International Politics
• independent teaching in the field of International Relations/International Politics, including teaching interdisciplinary courses together with colleagues from International Law and International Economics (4 academic hours/2 courses per term), above all in the BA and MA “International Relations” programs offered by the Center for International Studies (ZIS)
• supervision of final theses (at Bachelor’s and Master’s level)
• administrative and representative tasks, including participation in departmental and faculty committees
• expanding your own profile in research and teaching 

Requirements: 

• a very good university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Political Science or a related Social Science discipline
• a very good PhD degree in Political Science, International Relations or related Social Science discipline
• excellent expertise in the field of international relations and international organizations
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English and German
• proven ability to work in teams and professional experience in academia, including teaching and university administration

Desired:

• solid competences in quantitative and/or qualitative methods or mixed-methods procedures
• expertise at the intersection of International Politics/International Law or International Political Economy/Macroeconomics
• expertise in Peace and Conflict Studies or European Integration
• proven interdisciplinary openness and ability to work across disciplines
• pertinent publications in scholarly journals with peer-review
• fluency in another UN working language, particularly French or Spanish

We offer: 

• the opportunity for independent work within a flat hierarchy, in an open-minded team and a supportive atmosphere
• flexible arrangements for work hours to support a good work-life balance
• 30 days of vacation per year (based on a 5-day workweek)
• extensive opportunities for professional development and continuing education
• health care and sports programs offered by TUD
• a discounted job ticket (also available as a Deutschlandticket)
• participation in the supplementary pension scheme for employees in the public sector via VBL (Federal and State Government Employees Retirement Fund)

You will join an international, highly vibrant, family-friendly and stimulating academic environment with plenty of possibilities to realize your original ideas on research and teaching in the field of International Relations.

Any questions concerning this call for applications can be addressed to Prof. Dr. Anna Holzscheiter, Chair of Political Science with a Focus on International Politics (anna.holzscheiter@tu-dresden.de).

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The university is a family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Application: Please submit your detailed application with the usual documents (cover letter, CV, two letters of recommendation) by August 14, 2026 (stamped arrival date of the university central mail service or the time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to intpol@mailbox.tu-dresden.de or to:

TU Dresden, Chair of Political Science with a focus on International Politics, Prof. Dr. Anna Holzscheiter, Helmholtzstr. 10, 01069 Dresden, Germany.

Please submit copies only, as your application will not be returned to you. Expenses incurred in attending interviews cannot be reimbursed.

TUD is a founding partner in the DRESDEN-concept alliance.

Reference to data protection: Your data protection rights, the purpose for which your data will be processed, as well as further information about data protection is available to you on the website: https://tu-dresden.de/karriere/datenschutzhinweis.

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