The Faculty of Sociology has the following job opening: 
As part of this third phase, Project A06 “Work-family Policies: Socioeconomic Outcomes and Policy Learning" is seeking to appoint a PhD Researcher at Bielefeld University. Building on the achievements of the Project A06 in the previous phases - which systematically analyzed the scope of benefits and inclusiveness of family policies, with a particular focus on leave policies, child benefits, and childcare services – the third phase will focus on the socioeconomic effectiveness of these policies. Specifically, it will investigate (1) how family policies affect the socioeconomic outcomes of women and children; and (2) under what conditions and through which mechanisms policy actors utilize information on these outcomes, leading to policy learning. In this context, the successful candidate is expected to make a substantial contribution on the second question, particularly by conducting qualitative case studies of Mexico and Germany, alongside an active engagement in the project’s overall research agenda. Pursuing a PhD will be supported.
The project A06 is led by Prof. Sonja Blum (Faculty of Sociology) at Bielefeld University, in collaboration with Dr. Keonhi Son (MZES, University of Mannheim).
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
Research Position / PhD Researcher (m/f/d) - CRC 1342 project "A06 Work-Family Policies: Socioeconomic Outcomes and Policy Learning"
ID: Wiss25535
- starting: as soon as possible
- Teilzeit 70 %
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- befristet
The Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1342, "Global Dynamics of Social Policy," has been funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) since 2018. In Phases I and II, the worldwide introduction of social protection programs was mapped, and the differences in the inclusiveness and scope of social policy benefits were documented. In Phase III, the culmination of the 12-year research agenda, the socioeconomic effectiveness of social policy is being examined in terms of improving social conditions and promoting political integration.
As part of this third phase, Project A06 “Work-family Policies: Socioeconomic Outcomes and Policy Learning" is seeking to appoint a PhD Researcher at Bielefeld University. Building on the achievements of the Project A06 in the previous phases - which systematically analyzed the scope of benefits and inclusiveness of family policies, with a particular focus on leave policies, child benefits, and childcare services – the third phase will focus on the socioeconomic effectiveness of these policies. Specifically, it will investigate (1) how family policies affect the socioeconomic outcomes of women and children; and (2) under what conditions and through which mechanisms policy actors utilize information on these outcomes, leading to policy learning. In this context, the successful candidate is expected to make a substantial contribution on the second question, particularly by conducting qualitative case studies of Mexico and Germany, alongside an active engagement in the project’s overall research agenda. Pursuing a PhD will be supported.
The project A06 is led by Prof. Sonja Blum (Faculty of Sociology) at Bielefeld University, in collaboration with Dr. Keonhi Son (MZES, University of Mannheim).
Your Tasks
Research tasks (100 %):
- conducting case study research on Mexico and Germany
- contributing to and independently preparing publications of research results
- actively participating in conferences as well as relevant events and activities organized in the framework of the CRC
Employment is conducive to scientific qualification and provides the opportunity for further academic development.
We offer
- salary according to Remuneration level 13 TV-L
- befristet (limited until 31.12.2029) (§ 2 Abs. 1 Satz 1 WissZeitVG; entsprechend den Vorgaben des WissZeitVG und des Vertrages über gute Beschäftigungsbedingungen kann sich im Einzelfall eine abweichende Vertragslaufzeit ergeben)
- Teilzeit 70 %
- internal and external training opportunities
- variety of health, consulting and prevention services
- reconcilability of family and work
- flexible working hours
- supplementary company pension
- collegial working environment
- open and pleasant working atmosphere
- exciting, varied tasks
- modern work environment with digital processes
- various offers (canteen, cafeteria, restaurants, Uni-Shop, ATM, etc.)
Your Profile
We expect
- excellent scientific university degree (e. g. Master's degree or equivalent) in Political Science or a related dicipline within the Social Sciences
- knowledge of and/or strong interest in public policy research, and family policy
- very good skills in comparative and qualitative methods (e.g. document analysis, expert interviews)
- excellent command of written and spoken English
- independent, self-reliant and dedicated style of work
- strong organizational and coordination skills
- ability to cooperate and to work in a team
Preferred experience and skills
- proficiency in Spanish and/or German
Application Procedure
We are looking forward to receiving your application. To apply, please preferably use our online form via the application button below.
application deadline: 12.01.2026
Contact
Viola Pappada
+49 521 106-6924
sekretariat.blum@uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Fakultät für Soziologie
Prof. Dr. Sonja Blum
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Viola Pappada
+49 521 106-6924
sekretariat.blum@uni-bielefeld.de
Postal Address
Universität Bielefeld
Fakultät für Soziologie
Prof. Dr. Sonja Blum
Postfach 10 01 31
33501 Bielefeld
Bielefeld University has received a number of awards for its achievements as an equal-opportunity employer and has been
recognized as a family-friendly university. The university welcomes applications from women. This is particularly true with regard
both to academic and technical posts as well as positions in information technology as well as the skilled crafts and trades.
Applications are handled according to the provisions of the state statutes on equal opportunity. Applications from suitably qualified
handicapped and severely handicapped persons are explicitly encouraged.
At Bielefeld University on request positions can be carried out with reduced working hours as long as this does not conflict with official needs.
