Post-Doc Researcher (m/f/x) in Political Science (100%) I ERC Project DEMOLAW Zeppelin Universität (ZU) in Friedrichshafen on the Lake of Constance is a state-recognized, private university with BA, MA and doctoral programs in the fields of business, culture and politics. It is committed to interdisciplinarity, internationality and individuality in research and teaching. We are currently looking to fill the following full-time position, for three years (with the possibility of a one-year extension) at the Chair of European Politics (Prof. Dr. Steffen Hurka) as soon as possible: Post-Doc Researcher (m/f/x) in Political Science (100%) I ERC Project DEMOLAW The Post-Doc will be part of the project DEMOLAW (The design, creation and survival of democratic laws), funded by the European Research Council (ERC). DEMOLAW analyses legislative texts in three different political systems (US, UK, EU) with computational methods to answer three major research questions: (1) Which conceptual dimensions capture the design of a law and how can we exploit textual properties of law texts to measure these dimensions empirically? (2) Why does the design of democratic legislation vary across laws, policy domains and political systems? (3) How can we explain why some laws are entirely stable over time, while others are constantly adjusted and sometimes transformed fundamentally? The project makes three major contributions. First, it provides a novel conceptual perspective on the design of democratic laws by focusing on two analytical dimensions that are central to any piece of legislation: versatility and precision. This innovative approach allows us to measure and compare the substance of legislative output across and within policy domains, political systems and over time. Second, the project will develop and test an integrated theoretical framework on both the creation and the survival of democratic legislation. Finally, the project’s methodological approach will pave the way for a computational analysis of legislative content and will push the boundaries of how we study democratic decision-making. Contribute to the conceptual and theoretical development of a large-scale research project and play a leading role in its methodological implementation Publishing research results in top-tier international journals Presenting research findings at international conferences Participating in the regular meetings of the members of the research project No teaching obligation, but opportunity to teach An excellent Ph.D. in political science, public administration, law or data science A keen interest in matters of comparative public policy and legislative politics, focusing on the US, UK and/or the EU First experiences with academic publishing Experience in computational text analysis (e.g., Large Language Models (LLMs), Natural Language Processing (NLP), the application of quantitative research methods, as well as in data collection and management Proficiency in coding with R and/or Python Problem-solving and analytical skills, along with a high degree of self-motivation and self-organization An international orientation and very good English language skills. Knowledge of the German language is an advantage, but not required. We offer you a varied and challenging job in an innovative working and learning environment with currently more than 230 exceptional and dedicated colleagues as well as 700 students, thirsty for knowledge. You will be paid a competitive salary commensurate with a TV-L 13 position of 100 % ( 54.000-63.000 € gross p.a., depending on prior experience) and you will be given the opportunity to develop an individual research profile, receive high-quality mentoring for your academic career and make an impact on political science in the context of a large-scale, ERC-funded research project. Additional benefits: Funding available for participation in international conferences Work and live in of the most beautiful natural surroundings of Germany, right next to the Lake of Constance Flexible working hours for better work-life balance Support for company pension plans Participation in the company fitness program Wellpass “Deutschlandticket” (train ticket valid everywhere in Germany) as job ticket, subsidized by the university Nursery subsidies JobRad (bicycle leasing program) Corporate Benefits program Company outings, Christmas parties, summer festivals Zeppelin Universität is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants with disabilities will be given priority. Zeppelin Universität supports the compatibility of family and work and promotes gender equality. Are you Interested? Please send your detailed application documents (cover letter, CV, educational certificates and a writing sample) to Ute Aisenpreis (HR Management) until 15 November 2024, including your earliest availability via the application management system softgarden ( application link ). For any specific questions regarding the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Hurka at : steffen.hurkazu.de .