SCRIPTS is looking for a student assistant (m/f/d, 41 hours per month) to support the Quality Management and Diversity Unit. The position is limited until December 31, 2025. Reference code: SHK_QMD PubDiv

About the Cluster of Excellence SCRIPTS

The Cluster of Excellence “Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)” is a research consortium that analyses the contemporary controversies about the model of liberal democracy and the market economy. The term “liberal script” relates to a set of ideas and institutional prescriptions about how society is organised based on the core principle of individual self-determination. The main purpose of SCRIPTS is to understand why the liberal model of order has fallen into crisis despite its political, economic, and social achievements.

The cluster is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) until 2025 and hosted by Freie Universität Berlin. It brings together eight major Berlin-based research institutions. It includes scholars from social and area studies, ranging from doctoral researchers to professors. The cluster collaborates with global research institutes, political and cultural organizations, and civil society actors, while also hosting international visiting scholars. Its diverse research projects span multiple partner institutions and thematic areas, providing insights into a large interdisciplinary research network.

About the Quality Management and Diversity unit

The Quality Management and Diversity (QMD) unit supports the participating researchers in project conception and publications and monitors the procedures for the allocation of funds. Furthermore, measures for the equal participation of all persons in the research process are developed and implemented. In particular, this involves the integration of researchers from underrepresented backgrounds and the recognition of different research perspectives. The focus of the research assistant positions is on academic publication and diversity management.

The selection process is done according to the SCRIPTS Diversity Rules & Guidelines.

Responsibilities

Main tasks:

• Support in the academic conception, execution, and follow-up of academic workshops, conferences, and roundtable events to promote diverse perspectives at the Excellence Cluster
• Support in the academic conception of research projects and programs with a focus on diversity: conducting literature research and reports, taking minutes, and summarizing meetings and workshops with a focus on project conception and design
• Support for researchers involved in the Excellence Cluster in publishing academic texts, particularly within the SCRIPTS Working Paper Series: editing and proofreading English-language academic texts

Supportive tasks:

• Support in implementing suitable measures in the area of diversity (e.g., organizing career coaching, conference childcare, topic-specific workshops)
• Support the documentation of publication activities within the cluster

Desired Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in social sciences and/or area studies
• Excellent proficiency in both German and English (C1)
• Experience or interest in working with reference management software (e.g., Endnote) and literature research
• Interest in the research field of the excellence cluster SCRIPTS
• Strong Office skills (proficiency in MS Excel tools for data analysis is an advantage)
• Excellent organizational skills and an independent and meticulous work style
• Competence in diversity issues

For further information, please contact Dr. Brinthanan Puwaneswaran (diversity@scripts-berlin.eu / 030 838 71064).

Application

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents (Cover letter, CV, relevant certificates and references), indicating the reference code, in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Dr. Brinthanan Puvaneswaran: diversity@scripts-berlin.eu or postal to
 
Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften
Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft
Exzellenzcluster Contestations of the Liberal Script (SCRIPTS)
Dr. Brinthanan Puvaneswaran
Edwin-Redslob-Straße 29
14195 Berlin (Dahlem)

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