Postdoctoral Researcher in Platform Algorithms and Digital Propaganda (Computational Analysis) (m/f/d)

Founded in 2017, the Weizenbaum Institute researches the effects of advancing digitalisation on our society. With its recommendations for action, it helps to ensure that the digital transformation is sustainable, self-determined and responsible. The Weizenbaum Institute is supported by a network of seven partners, including Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin University of the Arts, the University of Potsdam, the Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems (FOKUS) and the Social Science Research Centre Berlin (WZB). The institute is financed by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the state of Berlin. It is located in Berlin.

For our research group " Platform Algorithms and Digital Propaganda " at the Weizenbaum-Institut e.V. we are looking as soon as possible for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Platform Algorithms and Digital Propaganda (Computational Analysis) with 29,25 hours per week. The position is initially limited until 14th October 2027. An extension of the contract after this date is aimed for.

Project description

Would you like to research new forms of propaganda in the Digital Age? Are you interested in the role of algorithms in the information distribution on social media and in search engines? Are you passionate about developing innovative computational methods for studying digital platforms and the digital news ecosystem? If you are excited about these topics, join us as postdoc in research group “Platform Algorithms and Digital Propaganda” at Weizenbaum Institute under the supervision of Dr. Elizaveta Kuznetsova.

Job description

We seek a postdoctoral researcher for the research group “Platform Algorithms and Digital Propaganda”. The group investigates the “information ecosystem” on search engines and social media platforms to understand how algorithmic systems are designed and how the audience perceives them. We analyse the organisation of information filtering algorithms their relationship with disruptive influence, such as Russian online propaganda. Moreover, we study how platforms reconcile market-driven algorithmic organisation with their role as de-facto gatekeepers of information and the social responsibility this entails. 

The work of the research group is structured around three elements of the information ecosystem: the online content, platforms’ algorithms, and online audiences. To analyse these elements, we employ a mixed-method research design that combines qualitative and quantitative content analysis, agent-based algorithmic auditing, and qualitative interviews.

Your tasks include

• Contribute to the work of various projects in the research group in the form of data analysis and other forms of research, contribute to publications and international presentations;
• Participate in and contribute to the organization of research activities and events at the Weizenbaum Institute, such as workshops and colloquia;
• Contribute to science communication initiatives and organizational tasks of the research group.

Your profile

• PhD and a disciplinary background in computational social science or a related discipline (e.g., Media and Communication Science, Sociology, Information Systems, Computer or Data Sciences, Computer Linguistics; Intelligent Systems, etc.);
• Experience in statistical natural language processing, graph theory, data science and/or in general informatics;
• Interest in theoretical and/or applied understanding of digital platforms, online propaganda, algorithms, misinformation and willingness to learn and develop in this field;
• A strong international and interdisciplinary orientation;
• Proficiency in English is a must, other language skills are an advantage;
• Experience and affinity for working in a group setting and collaborating effectively. 

Your opportunity

• Exciting tasks: Work in a committed, innovative, and scientific environment
• Optimal conditions: Compensation depending on qualifications up to EG 13 (TVöD Bund), including annual bonus, company pension plan, and subsidy for the Deutschlandticket
• Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours and the option of remote working on certain days per week (in consultation with team lead), 30 days of vacation per year (based on a 5-day week), plus paid time off on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
• Central location: Work in the center of Berlin
• Personal development: Regular professional development opportunities

Severely disabled applicants with equal qualifications will be given preference. We value diversity and welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. The Weizenbaum Institute expressly encourages women* and people with a migration background to apply.

Please use our online portal to submit your application by 6th September 2026, addressed to Dr. Elizaveta Kuznetsova, along with the following documents: 

• Cover letter, describing your research interests and your fit to the research group;
• CV
• Complete record of your courses, including grades and an explanation of the grading system;
• The names and contact information of at least two academic references (please do not include the letters themselves);
• A link to/ a copy of a written work product. Examples: thesis, research paper (working draft or pre-print is acceptable), course project, blog post.
• If you hold a foreign degree, please submit proof of the recognition of your master’s degree in Germany along with your application. This proof can be obtained through the anabin database and attached to your application as a PDF file. You can find more information here 

If you do not fit to all the criteria but nevertheless think that you could be a good fit to the group, we encourage you to apply.

For questions about the group, please reach out to the research group leader Dr. Elizaveta Kuznetsova (elizaveta.kuznetsova[at]weizenbaum-institut.de). Pre-application inquiries are explicitly encouraged.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Maite Vöhl (she/her) from our Human Resources team (personal[at]weizenbaum-institut.de) at any time. We look forward to receiving your application materials.

Apply here