ISDC – International Security and Development Center is a non-profit academic institute based in Berlin, Germany. We conduct research to improve lives and livelihoods shaped by violent conflict, fragility, and humanitarian emergencies. We believe in the power of data and evidence for understanding and alleviating suffering around the world. You can find out more about us and our work by visiting www.isdc.org.
We are open to supporting an application for a
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow (f/m/d)
in one of our research programs:
- The Behavior Research Program, led by Wolfgang Stojetz, analyzes how people, households and groups cope with major shocks to lives and livelihoods, with a strong focus on gender and displacement in polycrises.
- The Peacebuilding Research Program, led by Neil Ferguson, uses micro-economic concepts and data to analyse how to mitigate violence, build peace and support post-war reconstruction.
- The Welfare Research Program, led by Ghassan Baliki, focuses on the intersection between humanitarian emergencies, fragility, and conflict on one hand and economic and nutritional well being on the other.
We think you would be a match if you:
- Have recently completed an excellent PhD in a quantitative social science;
- Bring a demonstrated publication record of relevant research;
- Fulfil all eligibility criteria for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship program;
- Possess strong skills in statistical / econometric analysis in R, Stata, or similar software;
- Have past experience working in and on fragile, conflict-affected or humanitarian settings;
- A proactive attitude and approach to conducting research across several projects; and
- Excellent written and oral English-language communication skills.
What we offer:
- Feedback for your Fellowship application;
- Support with conducting and publishing research of the highest quality.
- Opportunities to work on pressing global challenges with leading donors, partners, and networks;
- Use of bespoke micro-data collected in fragile and conflict-affected settings around the world;
- Access to a global network of partners and scholars, which convenes annually in Berlin for the Fragile Lives conference; and
- The possibility to be part of (and learn from) a diverse, international team of researchers led by Tilman Brück.
Does this sound interesting to you?
Then we encourage you to apply on our website! Please upload your academic CV and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in applying for the fellowship program with ISDC as your host institution. Your cover letter should include a draft research proposal (one to two pages outlining your topic, relevant literature, research question, methods, and data). Incomplete applications will not be considered. The final deadline for applications is 7 June 2026, though we will review applications and reach out to potential matches on a running basis.
We are looking forward to hearing from you soon!
