Stellenticket Freie Universität Berlin

For its research group “Globalization, Work and Production”, the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for

A Student Assistant (f/m/x) (ID 289)

for an appointment starting in November 2024 until July 2026 with a weekly working load of 19 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 student assistant will work for the Fairwork Germany Project at the WZB. The Fairwork Germany Project is a joint project of the Oxford Internet Institute, the WZB and the XU University, led by Professor Mark Graham (University of Oxford), Professor Martin Krzywdzinski (WZB), Dr. Patrick Feuerstein (WZB) and Professor Maren Borkert (XU University). Fairwork Germany is an action-research project that studies the German platform economy in order to develop fairness ratings for digital platforms, that are used as a lever to improve working conditions.

The student assistant will support the researcher(s) in the research project. Duties will include data collection and management, statistical analyses of interview data of working conditions and other kinds of data formats, such as literature searches, the creation of data graphics, assistance with the presentation of results, and other routine office tasks.

Your tasks and duties

• Supporting research processes in the Fairwork project
• Researching academic literature as well as business and media reports on digital platforms
• Support in conducting and analysing qualitative interviews with platform workers
• Support in the preparation of presentations and reports

• Advanced Bachelor or a Master student in social sciences, economics, data science, statistics, or related subjects
• Excellent knowledge of the English language (the working language of the research project is English)
• Training in and experience with qualitative methods of social science
• Competent handling of MS Office applications
• Knowledge of issues impacting on precarious and insecure workers, and a demonstrable commitment to working towards the empowerment of workers, and to equality and inclusion.

• Remuneration in according to the TdL guidelines (currently € 13.25 per hour)
• 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
• Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms

Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference. 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.

If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Patrick Feuerstein, patrick.feuerstein[at]wzb.eu.

For more information about the Fairwork project, see fair.work.

Have we sparked your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your online application by 15 September 2024. Candidates are kindly requested to upload their applications in English (consisting of a letter of motivation, CV, transcript of records, copies of relevant certificates, and certificate of enrolment).