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Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) Science Diplomacy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Middle East Studies (Palestinian Territories / MENA Region)

Hamburg
Full-time
Temporary

We seek

The GIGA seeks to appoint a 


Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) Science Diplomacy, Peace and Conflict Studies, Middle East Studies (Palestinian Territories / MENA Region)

 
Applications are invited for a full-time position from 1 April 2027 until 30 June 2034. The position is funded through the project “Strengthening Palestinian-German Science Bridge” (PGSBstrong) and is remunerated according to EG13 TV-AVH / TVöD-VKA. 

Your mission

The successful candidate will be based at the GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies (IMES) and the cross-regional Research Programme Peace and Security. They will coordinate and implement the Work Package “Sustainability and Effectiveness” within the PGSBstrong project. This includes conducting qualitative and mixed-methods research on science diplomacy and international research cooperation, as well as fieldwork and stakeholder engagement in the Palestinian Territories. The position involves producing academic and policy-oriented outputs, contributing to project evaluations and administration, presenting research findings at academic and policy events, and engaging in outreach and knowledge-transfer activities. The successful candidate will work closely with project partners in Germany and the Palestinian Territories and support the organisation of project events, including the “Science Bridge Days”.
 
Candidates with strong personal, academic, or professional ties to the Palestinian Territories are particularly encouraged to apply.

Your profile

Mandatory qualifications:
  • A very good doctoral degree (or submitted PhD thesis) in Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Middle East Studies, or a related discipline  
  • Research/work experience related to science diplomacy, international academic cooperation, higher-education policy, or capacity building
  • Demonstrated expertise in qualitative methods; experience with mixed-methods research is an advantage
  • Strong knowledge of the politics and societies of the Palestinian Territories and the wider Middle East and North Africa region
  • Strong emerging publication record and commitment to academic excellence
  • Ability to work independently while coordinating activities within a large collaborative project
  • Fluency in Arabic and English.

 

 
Desired qualifications:
  • Familiarity with programme evaluation, impact assessment, or policy-oriented research
  • Experience conducting fieldwork and stakeholder-based research in conflict-affected settings
  • Experience working with governmental, international, or civil-society stakeholders
  • Knowledge of German or willingness to learn it
  • Experience with policy exchange and knowledge transfer activities.

Why us?

We offer:
  • A unique opportunity to contribute to a major international science diplomacy initiative
  • Integration into one of Europe’s leading institutes for area studies and comparative political research
  • Access to international academic and policy networks
  • Support for professional development through GIGA’s talent-management programmes
  • Opportunities for fieldwork, international collaboration, and policy engagement
  • A stimulating interdisciplinary research environment in Hamburg
 
Part-time options will be considered if desired by the successful candidate. Diversity and the reconciliation of work and family life are of great importance to the institute. The GIGA promotes the equality of all genders. Additionally, we actively encourage applications from persons with disabilities.
 
Please visit our careers page (https://www.giga-hamburg.de/en/career) and complete the application form. Please upload the relevant documents (cover letter, CV, list of publications, one writing sample, and a brief research statement (max. 2 pages) outlining how your research interests relate to the themes of the project.) as separate files. We can only accept applications submitted via our careers page.
 
GIGA Institute for Middle East Studies
Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, 20354 Hamburg, Germany 
 
Screening of applications will begin on 21 December 2026. 
 
For further information, please visit the GIGA homepage (www.giga-hamburg.de) or contact Prof. Dr. Christiane Fröhlich (email: christiane.froehlich@giga-hamburg.de ).

About us

The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) / Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien is an independent social-science research institute based in Hamburg. It analyses political, social and economic developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East to address questions of local and global significance. It combines region-specific analysis with innovative comparative research on accountability and participation, globalisation and development, peace and security, and global order and foreign policies.