Research Lead (m/f/d): Democratic Change and Knowledge

The Alexander von Humboldt Institute for Internet and Society (HIIG) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher to lead and develop the “Democratic Change and Knowledge” research focus. This is a rare opportunity to address the pressing questions facing democracy in the digital age while shaping an interdisciplinary field of research that combines academic rigour with societal impact.

Berlin · full-time (minimum 75%) · fixed-term until September 2029 (extension possible)

Your role

Democracies are facing a more fundamental epistemic challenge than is suggested by the headlines. Today, knowledge is generated and circulated under entirely new conditions, including algorithmic public spheres, generative AI, targeted attacks on knowledge institutions and the erosion of shared knowledge. Public debate often reduces this issue to ‘disinformation’ and focuses on the truth of individual statements. We take a different approach. We are interested in the epistemic infrastructure of democracy: the framework of institutions, procedures, authority and trust that enables the distinction between truth and falsehood. Each of academia, the media, the courts and parliaments produces knowledge in its own way, and they currently appear to be on the defensive. It is precisely this situation that we want to explore, in order to understand what is holding things together, what is crumbling and what needs to be developed anew.

As head of the research focus, you will have the freedom to develop your own research project based on these observations. You will be supported by a team and work in close collaboration with the other research focus areas of the Institute, as part of the HIIG’s research agenda. Your research will focus on the intersection of democracy, knowledge and digitalisation, with a particular emphasis on the loss of trust in institutions, hostility toward science, targeted delegitimisation and the influence of AI on established knowledge systems. You will be involved in science communication from the outset because, for us, research that remains confined to the laboratory is only half the story. You will develop formats to ensure that your findings reach the public, the political sphere and civil society.

You will not be starting from scratch. This focus has emerged from our completed “Knowledge & Society” research programme, building on a solid foundation of research into anti-science sentiment (KAPAZ), interactive anti-polarisation formats (ActIPLEx), and our current project, “twentyfifty“, which invites researchers worldwide to translate their findings into a utopia for a democratic society in the year 2050, developing a narrative around it. You will build upon this foundation and make your mark on the field.

Your responsibilities

• You will be responsible for the strategic development and leadership of the research focus area. This involves building and managing a team, shaping your own research agenda, and securing external funding.
• As part of an institute, you will contribute to its development alongside the other research focus area leaders and in consultation with the Executive Board. You will also take responsibility for institute-wide collaboration and contribute to the HIIG’s overarching research agenda.
• You will conduct independent, high-calibre research into the epistemic foundations of democracy, such as trust in institutions, the democratic order of knowledge, the role of science in public discourse and the implications of AI-supported infrastructures. You will publish your findings in leading peer-reviewed journals and open-access repositories and present them at academic conferences and public events.
• You will firmly embed science communication and knowledge transfer within your research, working alongside our Science Communication and Engagement team to develop formats for dialogue with the public, policymakers, and civil society. These formats will range from research sprints and policy sounding boards to multi-stakeholder dialogues and citizens’ forums. You enjoy distilling research findings for non-academic audiences.
• You will build and maintain networks with partners from academia, politics, business, and civil society, both nationally and internationally.

Your profile

• An excellent PhD in Political Science, Media Studies, Communication Studies, Law, Sociology, Philosophy or a related subject.
• You will have research experience in at least one of the following fields: the epistemic foundations of democracy; trust in and hostility towards science; disinformation and information ecosystems; AI and the democratic public sphere; and digital knowledge systems. This experience will be demonstrated by relevant publications and an initial professional network.
• You have a desire to develop and experiment with new formats for knowledge production and science communication.
• Ideally, you will have experience in project management and academic leadership. At the very least, however, you will have the ambition and organisational skills to take strategic responsibility for a key area of focus, as well as the team spirit to collaborate with others in doing so.
• You will have an internationally oriented research practice, ideally with experience in interdisciplinary and cross-border projects or networks. Perspectives from the Global South are particularly welcome.
• Excellent command of German and English required.

Our offer

• We are a research institute that sees social impact as its mission. We have a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team based in the heart of Berlin, with excellent connections both at home and abroad.
• We have a distinctly collaborative research culture. Here, we conduct research together, not just alongside one another. The best ideas emerge through exchange across research areas.
• There is plenty of scope for your own ideas and research, as well as flexible working hours, flat hierarchies, and diverse opportunities for professional and international development.
• You will receive active administrative support in securing third-party funding, setting up and expanding your team, knowledge transfer, and organising academic events.
• We offer a fixed-term contract until September 2029, with the option of extension, and remuneration based on TV-L 14, depending on your qualifications and experience.

Does this profile sound like you? If so, we look forward to receiving your application. Please send us a covering letter, your CV, relevant certificates, a list of publications and details of your availability via the online form below. Your place of work will be Berlin, and we will be happy to help you settle in.

The selection process begins on 24 August 2026. The vacancy will remain open until the post is filled.

If you have any questions, please email annemarie.mutscher@hiig.de.