Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) Comparative politics with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa

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, and links this knowledge to questions of global significance. It combines region-specific analysis with innovative comparative research on accountability and participation, peace and security, globalisation and development, and global orders and foreign policies. The GIGA seeks to appoint a 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (m/f/d) 
Comparative politics with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa

Applications are invited for a full-time position, with an initial contract of three years and the possibility of another three years after successful evaluation and depending on the availability of funds. The successful applicant should start as soon as possible. The position is designed for further professional qualification as defined in § 2 WissZeitVG (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act). The salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD.

The successful candidate will work on key questions and challenges in comparative politics with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Potential research areas include but are not limited to autocratisation and democratisation, domestic politics and/or institutions, external actors, comparative political economy, the comparative study of conflicts, questions of misinformation or repression, and the political challenges arising from digitalisation. We expect the candidate to outline a corresponding research agenda. 

The successful candidate will become a member of the GIGA Institute for African Affairs (IAA) and one of GIGA’s four cross-regional GIGA Research Programmes (RP): Accountability and Participation (RP1), Peace and Security (RP2), Globalisation and Development (RP3), or Global Orders and Foreign Policies (RP4).

The candidate is expected to conduct excellent research with real world relevance and, accordingly, to participate in knowledge exchange and outreach activities (media engagement, policy advisory activities). There are no teaching obligations for this position, but it will be possible to teach at one of GIGA’s partner universities.

Mandatory qualifications:

• a very good doctoral degree (or submitted Ph.D. thesis) in Social Sciences (Political Science, International Relations, Economics, or a related discipline) 
• an emerging track record of publications in high-ranking journals
• a very strong command of qualitative and/or quantitative comparative methods 
• fluency in English 

Desired qualifications:

• an emerging track record of attracting competitive third-party funding 
• a focus on Central and Eastern Africa (including the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa) 
• fluency in German and/or a language of the region
• experience with policy and knowledge exchange activities

Part-time options will be considered, if so 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 fill out the GIGA application form and send it with your full application (Ref.-No. GIGA-25-05) including relevant supporting documentation (cover letter, CV, list of publications, research outline, other credentials/diplomas/certificates) as one Pdf file that should not exceed 15 pages (except for the completed GIGA application form) to the below address. Please also provide two work samples as separate PDFs. Recommendation letters are optional and should be sent directly to the email address below indicating the candidate’s name in the subject line.

GIGA Institute for African Affairs 
Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, 20354 Hamburg, Germany 
Email: [email protected] (email applications are particularly welcome)

Screening of applications will begin on 26 May 2025. 

For further information, please visit the GIGA homepage or contact Dr. Julia Grauvogel (email: [email protected]) or Prof. Dr. Matthias Basedau (email: [email protected]; on vacation in May 2025).