Research Associate/ Wissenschaftliche*r Referent*in/ Postdoc (in Behavioural Science)

Mein Grundeinkommen e.V.

About

Since 2014, Mein Grundeinkommen e.V. has been exploring how universal basic income (UBI) works in practice by crowdfunding over 2,100 UBIs. In collaboration with leading research institutions such as DIW Berlin, the University of Oxford, the University of Vienna, and the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, we study its effects and contribute our findings to the public debate. Now, we are seeking a highly motivated research associate to join our interdisciplinary research team investigating the relationship of material resources and democratic participation (32 hours/ week).

The successful candidate will play a central role in the design, coordination, and implementation of empirical studies (e.g., field experiments, surveys), work closely with both academic and non-academic partners, and contribute to the scientific dissemination of results through publications and policy-oriented communication.

Responsabilities

• Co-design and manage experimental and survey-based research on financial resources and political engagement
• Coordinate and oversee data collection and data management processes
• Collaborate on data analysis and co-author scientific publications
• Document research processes and results in a transparent and reproducible manner
• Act as a liaison to the research team, including Frederik Schwerter (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management), Susann Fiedler (Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien) and Maximilian Kasy (University of Oxford).
• Translating findings into accessible formats for public and policy stakeholders
• Present research at international academic conferences

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Economics, Political Economy, Behavioral Economics, Psychology, or a related field
• Demonstrated research interest in at least one of the project’s core areas: financial resources, political participation, democratic theory, redistribution, or social policy
• Strong methodological background in experimental design and causal inference or econometrics
• Proven skills in statistical analysis, preferably R
• Strong publication record relative to academic age, with presentations at relevant conferences
• Excellent command of English and German (at least equivalent to B2 level)
• Ability to spend at least 25% of your working time in our office in Berlin
• Strong teamwork skills and a mindset that values mutual appreciation and trust as keys to effective collaboration

Desired Qualities

• Experience in managing collaborative projects and/or engaging with non-academic stakeholders is an asset
• Familiarity with preregistration, open science practices, and transparent data management
• Interest in science communication and policy-relevant research translation
• Motivation to work at the intersection of academic research and civil society
• Willingness to apply principles of non-violent communication (part of the onboarding process)
• Experience with working in self-organizing teams

What We Offer

• Instead of conventional hierarchies, we use a holacratic organisational model that fosters shared responsibility and co-creation. Due to our legal form as an association, you are both a colleague and a member at the same time.
• A purpose-driven workplace with a strong focus on equality, opportunities for personal growth and diversity.
• Our aim is to create discrimination-sensitive environments: we commit to an ongoing process of reflection, where every colleague’s voice is valued and heard.
• External support through coaching and further training in line with agreed development goals.
• Office space in Berlin-Mitte and the possibility of hybrid working.
• A competitive salary (range 67.300 € - 75.000 € annually gross) based on a 32-hour full-time work week, plus 35 vacation days (based on a 5-day work week).

Our aim is to make this a permanent position: initially, all employment contracts are limited to one year, so that we find out together whether we want to shape the future side by side. Before the end of the year,  we review whether we want to continue our collaboration.

How to Apply

Please apply via our application portal  by November 30th 2025, including a cover letter that describes your motivation for this position, your CV (no photo) and contact information for at least two references. Candidates who have not finalized their PhD yet are strongly encouraged to submit three reference letters alongside the application. 

Interviews will begin as applications arrive; the start date is flexible (Q1 2026).

We encourage applications even if you do not meet all requirements. Belonging, anti-discrimination, and diversity are cornerstones of mental health and well-being. In cases of equal qualification, we give preference to structurally discriminated persons.

Do you see any aspects that may not have been considered? We are aware that barriers exist, and we are open to overcoming and reducing them together.

An elevator is available. The building also has an accessible restroom.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime at bewerbung@mein-grundeinkommen.de