For its research Group “Health and Social Inequality”, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for

a doctoral student (ID 400)

on a temporary basis, from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030, for 29,25 hours per week.

The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a publicly financed research institution that conducts leading edge theory-based and problem-oriented social science research (http://www.wzb.eu/en). WZB researchers come from across the globe and work across social science disciplines including sociology, political science, economics, law, and psychology. A member of the Leibniz Association, WZB’s research is directed at the science community, policy makers, the media and the general public.

The research group “Health and Social Inequality” studies the extent, causes, and consequences of social and ethnic inequalities in health. Why do people with lower incomes and less education die younger and spend more of their lives in poor health? To what extent are health problems a cause, rather than a consequence, of socio-economic disadvantage? How and why does the health of immigrants, refugees, and their descendants differ from that of the majority population? The group seeks to advance understanding of these long-standing questions by combining intergenerational and life-course perspectives with a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach to health inequalities. Its projects often cross disciplinary boundaries and draw on a wide range of data sources and methodological approaches, including the (comparative) analysis of survey and register data, survey and field experiments, computational methods, and qualitative interviews. The group’s current work falls into four broad and overlapping areas:

• Life-course processes driving inequalities in the pace of aging and risks of multimorbidity
• Environmental inequalities and environmental influences on health and mortality, including the effects of climate change
• Migration, transnational family relations, and mental health
• Discrimination and inequalities in access to, use of, and quality of health care
  Your tasks
• Develop and carry out an independent PhD project in the field of Global Health
• Apply to, and—subject to admission—participate in the Charité PhD Program in Global Health (2027 entry cohort): https://globalhealth-phd.charite.de/en/
• Conduct research that aligns with the thematic focus of the Health and Social Inequality Research Group: See above and
  https://www.wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-social-inequalities/health-and-social-inequality
• Contribute to the research activities of the group, including scholarly exchange, presentations, and collaborative work where appropriate
• Present research findings at academic conferences and publish results in international peer-reviewed journals
• Primarily qualitative projects will be considered; however, applicants proposing quantitative or mixed-methods designs are particularly encouraged to apply

• An excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in sociology, economics, political science, public health, demography, social epidemiology, or a related field
• A strong background in research methods relevant to the proposed project; depending on the project, this may include qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches
• Fluency in English and excellent academic writing skills; knowledge of German is not required
• A clearly formulated research interest in Global Health and strong motivation to develop and implement an original PhD project in this area
• The ability to work independently, manage an independent research project, and collaborate effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment

• Remuneration in accordance with EG 13 TVöD Bund
• Additional benefits for public service employees (VBL U)
• Advice and support regarding visa and residence permit
• A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
• International, cooperative, and diversified working environment
• In-depth integration into the scientific community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
• Thorough instruction and guidance
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
• We promote a good work-life balance
• Comprehensive program for continuous professional development and further qualification, in the own discipline and beyond
• Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
• Reduced monthly ticket for local public transport (Jobticket or Deutschlandticket Job)
• Discounted leisure and recreation opportunities with a membership in Sozialwerk.Bund
• Counselling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations

We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. WZB expressly encourages women or persons with migration backgrounds to apply. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Jan Paul Heisig, jan.heisig[a]wzb.eu.

Online job interviews will likely take place in the week starting on 20 July.

For more information about the research group “Health and Social Inequality”, follow this link https://www.wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-social-inequalities/health-and-social-inequality

For more information about WZB, see www.wzb.eu.

Have we caught your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your application including your CV, relevant certificates and a short exposé (1-2 pages) for a possible PhD project (all in one pdf) via our online application tool by 21 June 2026.