Full Professorship (W 3) for Applied Social Research and Survey Methodology

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam has firmly established itself in the scientific landscape and has become an outstanding economic factor and development engine for the region. It has a high level of third-party funding, has won several awards for teaching, and has a service-oriented administration and has received several awards for being family-friendly. Around 20,000 students and 3,000 employees work at three locations - Am Neuen Palais, Griebnitzsee and Golm - at one of the most beautifully situated academic institutions in Germany.

The Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Potsdam invites applications for a joint professorship under the Thuringia Model with the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) to be filled at the earliest possible date:

The professorship is associated with the position of Head of the Survey Methodology and Management Division at the Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin).

DIW Berlin and the University of Potsdam intend to further expand their collaboration in order to provide professors, university and non-university researchers, and students with research and working conditions that foster innovation.

As Head of the SOEP “Survey Methodology and Management” Division at DIW Berlin, the successful candidate will further develop the SOEP surveys, supervise and manage the associated staff, and conduct independent research and knowledge transfer activities both in the field of survey methodology and in at least one applied social science research area (e.g., migration, education, labor markets, social mobility, or changes in attitudes and values).

The professorship is expected to cover the field of survey methodology and the relevant substantive social science research area in both research and teaching at the University of Potsdam. Applicants are expected to have completed a doctoral degree in empirical social research with distinction and to demonstrate outstanding expertise in survey methodology, complemented by experience in applied empirical research. An internationally recognized record of scholarly publications relevant to these areas is required.

A strong commitment to university teaching in social science degree programs and a proven record of successfully securing nationally and internationally competitive third-party funding are also expected. Additional desirable qualifications include management experience in university and non-university research institutions, experience in leading research projects and managing personnel and financial resources, and involvement in doctoral training.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Ulrich Kohler (ulrich.kohler@uni-potsdam.de) as well as Prof. Dr. habil. Sabine Zinn (SZinn@diw.de).

The joint appointment will be implemented according to the “Thuringia Model” with a teaching obligation at the University of Potsdam in accordance with the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG).

The hiring process is subject to the requirements set forth in Section 43 subsection 1 sentence 1 no. 1 – 3 and no. 4 letter a of the BbgHG. The appointment procedure is conducted in accordance with Section 42 BbgHG.

The University of Potsdam and the DIW value diversity and thus pursue the goals of equal opportunities and diversity in accordance with the general principle of equal treatment. One of the UPs and DIWs strategic goals is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Therefore, the UP and the DIW expressly invite applications from qualified female scientists. People with a severe disability will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Periods of time taken for parental leave or caregiving are taken into account when assessing applicants academic careers. The implementation of equality and diversity standards in the respective field of work is expected.

The University of Potsdam also offers dual career support and coaching for newly appointed professors.

Please submit your application, with the relevant documentation, via email to ausschreibungen@uni-potsdam.de by September 30, 2026. Further information is avail-

able online at https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/arbeiten-an-der-up/appointments/appointment-procedures/application

According to the Civil Servants Act of the State of Brandenburg (“Landesbeamtengesetz”), an inquiry must be made to the Domestic Intelligence Service prior to the final hiring and appointment as a civil servant in the State of Brandenburg can take place. Information on the lawfulness and the procedure is available here.

Publication

• Forschung & Lehre: 31.08.2026
• ZEIT: 03.09.2026