Faculty of Life Sciences - Department of Psychology

The interdisciplinary Einstein Research Unit "Coping with Affective Polarization" ties
in with current debates on polarization and its consequences for social cohesion. The overall goal is to identify strategies for dealing with the negative consequences of affective polarization. Specifically, the Einstein Research Unit pursues three goals: (1) the
establishment of a Berlin Polarization Monitor; (2) the identification of strategies for coping with affective polarization at the level of the individual, social interactions, and civil society groups; (3) the derivation of applied interventions.

The interdisciplinary research team of eleven principal investigators combines expertise from psychology, psychiatry, political science, sociology, communication science, and philosophy. The team works with a strong network of civil society partners to combine basic research with regional application. By doing so, the team can build on work from the BUA Exploration Project "Social Cohesion and Civil Society: Interaction Dynamics in Times of Disruption" (https://www.explore-interactions.de). The project is coordinated by Prof. Dr. Jule Specht and Prof. Dr. Hanna Schwander (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Prof. Dr. Swen Hutter and Prof. Dr. Christian von Scheve (Freie Universität Berlin).

The Einstein Research Unit is made possible by the Berlin University Alliance (BUA). Subject to approval by the funding agencies, the research alliance is scheduled to begin its work on October 1, 2024.

Job description:

• contributing significantly to the regular and productive exchange between the interdisciplinary scientists (who work at several institutions in Berlin and internationally) and with civil society actors, working closely with all persons involved within the ERU-BUA-project „Coping with Affective Polarization"
• developing concepts and working material on the topics of the research unit, including evaluation and reassessment
• participating in the strategic planning of the research network
• preparing scientific events and contributions to science communication
• coordinating the acquisition of further third-party funding

Requirements:

• university degree, if possible in a subject related to the content, for example psychology, political science or sociology
• desired:
  • completed Ph.D.
  • excellent knowledge of the university landscape
  • competence in the coordination and management of interdisciplinary research networks
  • interest in the research field of affective polarization and social cohesion
  • very good written and spoken German and English skills
  • common IT skills
  • communication and networking skills
  • experience in the acquisition of third-party funding, in planning scientific events and in planning contributions to science communication
  • ability and interest in working independently as well as in interdisciplinary teams

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Jule Specht (jule.specht@hu-berlin.de).

Please send your application (including letter of motivation, CV, relevant certificates and academic degrees, if applicable a manuscript/paper), quoting the reference number, to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Psychology, Prof. Dr. Jule Specht (located: Rudower Chaussee 18), Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany or preferably by e-mail in one PDF document with the subject "Application ERU-CAP-Wiss.Koordination" to Birgit Altner (Birgit.Altner@hu-berlin.de).

HU is seeking to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching, and specifically encourages qualified female scholars to apply. Severely disabled applicants with equivalent qualifications will be given preferential consideration. People with an immigration history are specifically encouraged to apply. Since we will not return your documents, please submit copies in the application only.

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