Post-Doctoral Researcher (100%)

in the area of survey methodology.

The German Internet Panel (GIP) is the central data collection project of the SFB 884 and is headed by Prof. Dr. Annelies Blom. It collects micro-data on attitudes and preferences relevant to political and economic decision-making processes. The GIP is the first online longitudinal survey in Germany that is based on a probability sample of the general population. The panel includes respondents who previously had no computer and/or internet and thus are typically not covered in any other online panels. (Further information: http://reforms.uni-mannheim.de/internet_panel/home/).

With several large-scale social survey projects, such as the GIP, the GLES, the ESS, the GESIS Panel, PIAAC and Allbus, Mannheim constitutes a hub for survey research and methodology. At the University of Mannheim, several chairs specialize in survey methodology and statistics. In addition, there are opportunities for collaboration with researchers at the GESIS – Leibniz Institute for Social Sciences. The GIP thus provides an attractive research environment for a PostDoc in this field.

The PostDoc is expected to conduct survey methodological research (50%) and to take responsibility for preparing the GIP data for publication at the data archive, through data testing, data preparation and documentation (50%). He/she thus becomes an integral part of the GIP team, which currently comprises seven pre- and post-doctoral researchers. The PostDoc will also contribute to the GIP funding proposal for the third phase of the SFB in 2017. The position carries no teaching obligations.

Applicant profile:

·         Having completed or being close to completing a PhD in Survey Methodology, Applied Statistics, the Social Sciences or a related subject

·         Experience with survey methodological analysis of large data sets and proficiency in a statistical package, preferably Stata or R

·         Experience with the management of survey projects, in particular large-scale online or panel surveys

·         Some knowledge of German with an interest in becoming proficient in German on the job. Fluency in German in an asset.

·         Experience with publishing in international scholarly journals is an asset.

·         Having successfully applied for research funding is an asset.

The position is initially advertised for the duration of the Collaborative Research Center until
31^st December 2017 and may be renewed subject to continued funding. Salary is commensurate with experience according to public pay scheme TV-L E13. As an equal opportunity employer, the University of Mannheim specifically encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities.

The application deadline is 23^rd July 2015. We aim to fill the position as soon as possible, preferably by 1^st September 2015. Interviews are scheduled to take place on 5^th and 6^th August 2015.

Please send your application, preferably electronically, to secretary@reforms.uni-mannheim.de  or to Marina Jesse, Collaborative Research Center 884, University of Mannheim, 68131 Mannheim, Germany.