Wissenschaftler:in (d/m/w) für das Forschungsprojekt „Mittlere Mächte“ in Asien / Lateinamerika mit Länderschwerpunkten Vietnam und die Philippinen oder Pakistan und Bangladesch

About the role

The position is for a researcher (d/m/w) in the research project “Mittlere Mächte” focusing on Vietnam and the Philippines or Pakistan and Bangladesh. The project, funded by the BMZ and GIZ, examines conditions and potential for exchange and cooperation between six middle powers in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Latin America and Germany, with the aim of developing policy recommendations for bilateral relations and mini‑ and multilateral cooperation. The role is full‑time (100 %) and limited to 30 April 2029, with part‑time options possible. It is based in Berlin‑Wilmersdorf.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent research on the project’s questions, including guideline‑based interviews during multi‑week research stays in Vietnam and the Philippines or Bangladesh and Pakistan.
• Disseminate project results through policy‑relevant publications and scholarly work.
• Provide scientific advice to political decision‑makers.
• Maintain contacts with relevant government agencies, national and international research institutions, and regional organisations.
• Conceptualise and organise relevant specialist events and workshops in Berlin and abroad.

Requirements

• Successfully completed university degree in regional and social sciences with a focus on international relations, foreign and security policy; a doctorate is desirable.
• Proven research on South Asia or Southeast Asia and experience in comparative regional studies.
• Very good knowledge of the foreign and security‑policy challenges of Vietnam and the Philippines or Bangladesh and Pakistan, demonstrated by relevant publications.
• Very good knowledge of bilateral relations between Germany and the countries under study.
• Very good knowledge of EU relations with Vietnam, the Philippines, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
• Knowledge of development‑policy discourses and the functioning of German and European development cooperation is advantageous.
• Experience in managing third‑party funded projects is desirable.
• Strong initiative, responsible conduct, excellent organisational and communication skills, pronounced teamwork ability, and experience in interdisciplinary and cross‑topic collaboration.
• Excellent German and English language skills (written and spoken); regional language skills are a plus.
• First experience in scientific policy consulting is desirable.

Benefits

• Interesting and varied activity in a research‑oriented environment in central Berlin‑Wilmersdorf.
• Additional pension provision via the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL).
• Company canteen.
• Subsidy for the Deutschlandticket.

Pay

Remuneration in accordance with the public‑service collective agreement (TVöD Bund), including all public‑service benefits, up to pay grade 14, with step assignment based on professional experience and career progression.

Schedule

• Full‑time position (100 %); part‑time employment possible.
• Mobile working permitted for up to 40 % of monthly working time.
• Flexible working hours to support work‑life balance.
• 30 vacation days per year, plus additional leave between Christmas and New Year (after induction).