The University of Konstanz is one of eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany. Since 2007 it has been successful in the German Excellence Initiative and its follow-up programme, the Excellence Strategy.

These two position are available as part of a DFG-funded Emmy Noether project studying Social Inequalities in Ageing Societies (SocIAS). The project examines gender, ethnic and socio-economic inequalities in health and social participation in later life, taking a life course perspective and a comparative welfare state approach using longitudinal data from various European countries. The research has a strong interdisciplinary focus as it is at the intersection of different social sciences that investigate health inequality.

The positions address recent M.A. graduates who wish to conduct frontier research on important societal challenges in ageing populations. The ideal candidates have a background in a relevant discipline and applied skills in quantitative methods. The working language is English.

Your Responsibilities

Preparation and analysis of longitudinal data, e.g., SHARE
Literature search and review
Development of innovative research question for a PhD thesis within the context of the project
Writing and publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals in co- and single authorship
Presentations at workshops and conferences
Support with transfer and outreach activities as well as with the dissemination of the project’s findings

Your Competencies

M.A. in sociology, demography, epidemiology, gerontology, health economics, or social psychology
Strong skills in quantitative methodology, particularly multilevel or longitudinal modelling
Interest in life course, health, or social stratification
Strong written and oral communications skills in English
Capability to work independently and in a team
Knowledge of the Southern or Eastern European context is an asset

We Offer

Excellent research conditions in a culture of creativity at the University of Konstanz
Opportunities for personal development, methods training and research support offers
Supportive environment in a small team
A vibrant international environment at the Excellence Cluster “The Politics of inequality” and the Department of Sociology

Applications by academic minority groups are particularly encouraged. We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents until 28.02.2025 via our Online Application Portal.

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity, as well as a good balance between university and family life. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to increase the number of women working in research and teaching. We also support working couples through our dual career programme. Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact sbv@uni-konstanz.de, + 49 7531 88-4016).

2 PhD Positions in Sociology

(part-time 75 %, E 13 TV-L)

Reference No.: 2025/011. The starting date is April 1st, 2025, or by agreement. Latest possible start is October 2025. The positions are available for three years. A one-year extension is possible.

Your Responsibilities

Your Competencies

We Offer