Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for RE-CONNECT+
bicc - Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies is an independent international research institute dedicated to research and policy advice on the conditions, dynamics and consequences of violent conflicts to contribute to a more peaceful world. bicc was founded in 1994 with the support of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is a member of the Johannes-Rau-Research Community.
As of 1 December 2026, we are looking for a
Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) for RE-CONNECT+
Full-time (100%) / Fixed-term until 28 February 2029 / Remuneration according to TV-L pay grade 13
to contribute to a research project exploring how and under which conditions women and youth contribute to peacebuilding and social reconstruction in contexts affected by conflict, war and displacement. Based on extensive multi-sited qualitative research conducted across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, South-Eastern Europe and Sahel/Africa, RE-CONNECT+ studies the role of women and youth in reshaping social and political relations and identifies the meanings women and youth attach to social reconstruction and the conditions that enable or restrict their meaningful engagement. The findings aim to provide policy advice and inform more inclusive and gender-responsive development and peacebuilding interventions.
Your tasks:
- Conduct empirical field research in Ukraine, neighboring countries and Germany on (regional) dynamics on armed conflict, displacement, post-conflict recovery and social reconstruction, while contributing relevant academic and comparative expertise to the project’s work in the Middle East, Africa and the Western Balkans;
- Write academic publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles and other open-source formats, as well as policy papers and briefing notes;
- Provide policy advice to practitioners and political decisionmakers at the local and national levels within the framework of the research project, including through consultations, policy briefs and reports;
- Prepare and implement events, including workshops and panels, and present the project’s research findings at scientific and policy events to different audiences, including practitioners, researchers and policymakers;
- Expand and deepen research networks and cooperation with Eastern European research institutions and partners;
- Contribute to the conceptualisation and planning of research projects, including proposal writing;
- Proactively participate in bicc’s scientific activities and networks on the topic and contribute to the existing bicc working groups.
Your profile:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) with a strong academic track record, extensive regional expertise, a keen interest in comparative and cross-regional perspectives, and a demonstrated ability to contribute to interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research.
The ideal candidate will meet the following requirements:
- A completed PhD in Political Science, Peace and Conflict Studies, Migration Studies, Refugee Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Anthropology, Area or Cultural Studies, Human Geography or a related field;
- A proven track record demonstrating extensive knowledge of the politics, societies, and geography of Ukraine and the wider post-Soviet region, as well as a strong interest in comparative and cross-regional perspectives;
- Proven experience in conducting empirical research in challenging or hostile environments, including the application of qualitative research methods and qualitative data analysis;
- Experience in academic and/or EU-wide proposal writing, academic publications in the fields of conflict, development or migration, policy advice, and working in interdisciplinary and international teams;
- Relevant experience in international relations, peacebuilding, conflict transformation, development, post-conflict recovery or related fields and familiarity with current academic debates and the ability to apply expertise comparatively across regional contexts (Middle East, Africa, Western Balkans) is strongly preferred;
- Experience in social media and transfer activities, such as consultations and academic or policy events would be an asset;
- Willingness to work on related topics and expand one’s thematic and regional expertise is highly valued;
- A collaborative working style, with the ability to prioritise tasks and solve problems independently as well as working in a team;
- Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, strong intercultural competence, and the ability to communicate research findings effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences are required;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Ukrainian and/or Russian are required. Knowledge of German or other languages relevant to Eastern Europe is desirable;
- Willingness and ability to travel and work in hostile environments and to meet the formal requirements for travel to Ukraine;
- Experience with qualitative data analysis software such as MAXQDA, and a completed HEAT training is an advantage.
We offer:
- A meaningful role in an internationally active peace and conflict research institute based in Bonn, Germany.
- A professionally challenging and diverse field of activity with a high degree of creative freedom and space for your own ideas.
- An inter- and transdisciplinary work environment, as well as a collegial, trust-based, and open work atmosphere.
- Support for balancing family and career through flexible working hours and the option of hybrid working. Please note that this position does not permit full remote work from abroad.
Remuneration is based on the collective agreement for the public sector (TV-L NRW) at pay grade 13, as well as an annual bonus payment (in accordance with the TV-L NRW) and the option of a company pension scheme (VBLU). The position is to be filled as of 1 December 2026, on a fixed-term basis until 28 February 2029. The place of work is Bonn.
bicc is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and encourage applications from persons with disabilities.
Please submit your complete application documents (letter of motivation and research interests, CV, list of publications, relevant certificates and letters of reference) until 13 October 2026 exclusively by email to Ms. Nadine Gebauer-Haspel (application@bicc.de), who is also available as a contact person. Please combine your documents into a single PDF file (max. 5 MB) and indicate reference 14_26.
If you have obtained a foreign university degree, please include an extract from the Anabin database (anabin: Infoportal zu ausländischen Bildungsabschlüssen) as proof of recognition of your degree by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK) with your application documents.
Your personal data will be processed in accordance with the applicable data protection regulations during the selection process. Detailed information on this can be found in our data protection information
Date of publication: 22 September 2026
BICC – Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies gGmbH
Pfarrer-Byns-Straße 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany, +49 (0)228 911 96-0, bicc@bicc.de, www.bicc.de
