Student Research Assistant (M/F/D) at IFSH in the project “Impact Hub – Integrated Effectiveness of Integrated Peace Engagement” (35 hours per month)

The IFSH (Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy) is an interdisciplinary research institute at Universität Hamburg, supported by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The IFSH’s research focuses on analyzing current developments and challenges to peace and security, with a particular emphasis on the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions. Knowledge transfer from research to policy and society is a fundamental part of the institute’s work.

For our Berlin office, we are looking for a Student Research Assistant starting on June 1, 2025. The position is limited until November 14, 2026, with a workload of 35 hours per month. Remuneration follows the pay scale for Student Research Assistants at Universität Hamburg (€16.05/hour). A first academic degree (e.g. B.A. or equivalent) and current enrollment as a student at a state-recognized German university are required.

The position is part of the research and transfer project “Impact Hub – Integrated Effectiveness of Integrated Peace Engagement,” funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. The project aims to research and develop approaches to improve the effectiveness and coordination of instruments in integrated peacebuilding (e.g. democracy promotion, mediation, and police development). The project team accompanies and analyzes ongoing peace engagements of the Federal Foreign Office in four regional contexts (e.g. the Western Balkans, West Africa, the Middle East, and Ukraine). The project is jointly carried out by IFSH, the European University Viadrina, and Freie Universität Berlin, and is funded by the Federal Foreign Office and the Robert Bosch Foundation.

• Conduct background research and prepare literature reviews on foreign and security policy issues, particularly in the fields of security sector reform, integrated peace engagement, and police and military capacity building;

• Editorial work on academic texts (German/English);

• Support with administrative tasks such as organizing events, preparing research trips, and taking meeting minutes.

• Bachelor’s studies in Political Science, International Relations, European Studies, Peace and Conflict Research, or related fields;

• Interest and academic knowledge in one or more of the following research areas: security policy, peace- and state-building, SSR, police research—evidenced, for example, by relevant specializations, internships, or volunteer work;

• Strong research and analytical skills (especially in academic databases and political information outlets, as well as knowledge of reference management tools), proven by completed academic modules, previous work as a student or research assistant, or internships;

• Proven organizational and communication skills, independence, and strong team spirit;

• Excellent German and English language skills, ideally also good knowledge of French;

• Ideally, some experience working with security institutions and/or a federal ministry (e.g. through internships);

• Ideally, initial work experience in political foundations, international organizations, think tanks, etc.

• A stimulating position dealing with current foreign and security policy topics, especially integrated peace engagement, from both academic and practical perspectives;

• Opportunities to network within the foreign and security policy community;

• Insights into the interface between science and policy consulting, and into the practical implementation of knowledge transfer from research into practice;

• Further development of project and event management experience.

The IFSH is committed to the professional advancement of women and therefore particularly encourages applications from women in fields where they are underrepresented. In such fields, women will be given preferential consideration if qualifications are equal, in accordance with the Hamburg Gender Equality Act.
Persons with disabilities are also explicitly encouraged to apply.

Please apply via our career portal (ifsh.de/vacancies) with your complete and informative application documents (including cover letter, CV, and transcript of academic records).

Application deadline: May 15, 2025

For further information, please contact Dr. Anne Lange (ifsh.de/lange) or Jessica Noll (​ifsh.de/noll​​​).