Junior Researcher @International Security and Development Center (ISDC)

International Security and Development Center (ISDC) Opens Applications for Junior Researcher Position in Berlin, Germany

The International Security and Development Center (ISDC), a renowned non-profit academic research institute based in Berlin, Germany, has announced applications for a Junior Researcher (f/m/d) position within its Welfare Research Program. This exciting opportunity is ideal for talented early-career researchers, economists, social scientists, and development professionals who are passionate about using evidence-based research to improve lives affected by conflict, fragility, and humanitarian emergencies.

The full-time position offers an opportunity to work with leading researchers and international partners on projects addressing some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian and development challenges. Successful candidates will join ISDC’s growing international team and contribute to cutting-edge research focused on resilience, poverty reduction, food security, and humanitarian interventions in fragile settings.

The position is expected to commence on 1 August 2026 and is based in Berlin, Germany.

About the International Security and Development Center (ISDC)

The International Security and Development Center (ISDC) is a non-profit academic institute dedicated to producing high-quality research that improves the lives and livelihoods of people affected by violent conflict, humanitarian crises, and fragile environments.

ISDC believes in the power of data, evidence, and rigorous analysis to understand complex social and economic challenges and develop practical solutions that contribute to sustainable development and human well-being.

Through collaboration with governments, international organizations, humanitarian agencies, donors, and academic institutions, ISDC generates research that informs policy decisions and strengthens interventions in vulnerable communities around the world.

About the Welfare Research Program

The Junior Researcher will be part of ISDC’s Welfare Research Program, which examines the relationship between humanitarian emergencies, conflict, fragility, and economic and social well-being.

The programme focuses on understanding how households and communities cope with shocks such as:

• Armed conflict
• Forced displacement
• Economic crises
• Food insecurity
• Climate-related challenges
• Humanitarian emergencies

Researchers use experimental and quasi-experimental methods to study household resilience and evaluate the effectiveness of humanitarian and development interventions.

The findings contribute to improving humanitarian assistance, poverty alleviation efforts, resilience-building programmes, and food and nutrition security initiatives.

Project Focus: Measuring Resilience in Syria

A major component of the role will involve supporting a project that evaluates the resilience impacts of a multi-sectoral humanitarian programme in Syria.

This important research seeks to understand how humanitarian interventions affect vulnerable households and how programmes can better support communities facing prolonged conflict and instability.

The selected candidate will contribute to generating evidence that may influence future humanitarian and development programming in conflict-affected regions.

Key Responsibilities

The Junior Researcher will play an important role in supporting project implementation, data management, analysis, and reporting activities.

Responsibilities include:

1. Survey Coordination

• Support the coordination of quantitative micro-level survey data collection
• Work closely with multiple implementing partners
• Ensure efficient data collection processes

2. Data Cleaning and Management

• Clean and organize large quantitative datasets
• Match and verify survey data
• Ensure high standards of data quality and consistency

3. Quantitative Analysis

• Conduct statistical analyses using R
• Generate insights from micro-level household and community data
• Support evidence-based decision-making

4. Literature Reviews

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of academic and policy literature
• Summarize relevant findings
• Support research design and interpretation

5. Research Writing

• Contribute to research reports
• Assist in drafting academic papers
• Support dissemination of findings to partners and stakeholders

Required Qualifications

ISDC is seeking highly motivated candidates with strong quantitative research skills and a commitment to addressing global development challenges.

Applicants should possess:

Educational Background

• An excellent Master’s degree in Economics or Social Sciences

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in statistical analysis using R
• Advanced data management capabilities
• Experience handling large quantitative datasets
• Experience designing and managing surveys using ODK

Communication Skills

• Excellent written English
• Excellent oral communication skills in English

Additional Advantages

While not mandatory, the following are considered assets:

• Experience working in fragile and conflict-affected settings
• Knowledge of Arabic
• Knowledge of German

Benefits of the Position

The ISDC Junior Researcher position offers an attractive package designed to support professional growth and work-life balance.

Competitive Salary

Successful candidates will receive:

• Gross monthly salary of €3,341

International Research Exposure

Researchers will work with:

• Leading academic experts
• International organizations
• Development agencies
• Humanitarian actors
• Global research networks

Professional Development

Employees gain:

• Hands-on research experience
• Exposure to high-impact projects
• Opportunities for publication
• Advanced quantitative research skills

Flexible Work Environment

The position includes:

• Flexible working arrangements
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to three weeks annually

Annual Leave

Employees receive:

• 30 days of annual leave
• Additional leave on December 24 and December 31

Collaborative Work Culture

Researchers will work within a diverse, international, and collaborative team located in central Berlin.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit a complete application package that includes:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. Cover Letter (Maximum One Page)

The cover letter should explain:

• Why you are interested in the position
• How your skills align with the role
• Why you would be a strong fit for ISDC

3. Academic Records

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and transcript
• Master’s degree certificate and transcript

4. References

Either:

• Two academic or professional recommendation letters

OR

• Contact information for two references

Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.

Why You Should Apply

This position provides a rare opportunity for early-career researchers to contribute to impactful research that directly informs humanitarian and development policies in some of the world’s most vulnerable settings.

Candidates interested in:

• Development economics
• Humanitarian research
• Conflict studies
• Food security
• Poverty reduction
• Impact evaluation
• Quantitative research

will find this role particularly valuable for building a meaningful international research career.

Application Deadline

The final deadline for applications is:

5 July 2026

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible because interviews may be conducted on a rolling basis before the deadline.

Apply Here 

Final Thoughts

The ISDC Junior Researcher Position 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity to work at the intersection of research, humanitarian action, and development policy. With a competitive salary, international exposure, flexible work arrangements, and the chance to contribute to evidence-based solutions for conflict-affected populations, this role represents an excellent career step for aspiring researchers seeking to make a global impact.

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