Researcher in the field of Innovation Trends & Science Studies 1

Fraunhofer ISI in Karlsruhe is a globally recognized center of excellence in innovation research. The different focuses of our seven Competence Centers enable us to address key issues of innovation dynamics and system transformation in an interdisciplinary manner and from a holistic perspective. The institute offers unparalleled opportunities to apply and develop new approaches in innovation research. It has close links to numerous universities and research organizations both within Germany and abroad. Our leading position in theory- and evidence-based consultation gives our employees unique access to national and international stakeholders in politics and business.

The position is in the Competence Center »Innovation and Knowledge Economy« and is available at the earliest opportunity.

What you will do

• Conduct quantitative, empirical analyses based on a wide selection of structured and unstructured data sources.
• Support the acquisition of projects and their presentation to different clients.
• Independent management of scientific research and consulting projects.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration with in-house and external research partners.
• Prepare your own scientific articles for the academic community, for example on the topics of:
  • Role of research and development for business and society
  • Sustainable competitiveness during periods of instability
  • International relations in S&T
    

What you bring to the table

• You have already successfully obtained a university degree and a PhD, or are about to complete your PhD, in social sciences, economics or economic geography, and have robust knowledge of quantitative empirical social research.
• Initial work experience, especially of innovation-related topics, knowledge of managing and acquiring research projects, and in producing reports for public clients is an advantage.
• You are interested in learning about new, data-based options at the interface of qualitative and quantitative research (including Big Data) and, based on this, in formulating policy recommendations and making independent scientific contributions. In addition, you are able to work cooperatively and have good written and spoken communication skills in German and English.
• We assume that you work autonomously, in a structured and reliable manner.

What you can expect

• Interdisciplinary project teams: Employees from a wide range of disciplines work together in our project teams. This means that project work incorporates different approaches, ways of thinking, methods and disciplines.
• Working as a team: You work independently and take on responsibility in highly motivated teams. Our flat hierarchy promotes our employees’ autonomous approach to work.
• Infrastructure: Our workplaces are equipped with the latest technology.
• Personal development: We help you to advance both your career and your personal development through extensive and targeted training and career programs.
• Compatibility of work and family life: A good work-life balance is important to our employees. Fraunhofer ISI offers flexible working hours and the opportunity for telework. To support you, we have cooperation agreements with childcare facilities close to the institute as well as offering emergency childcare and homecare/eldercare.
• Equal opportunities and diversity: Different experiences and backgrounds are the driving force behind creative ideas and concepts and thus for innovations. We consider diversity to be an enrichment for the work at Fraunhofer. We try to make our teams as balanced as possible – made up of different genders, age groups, cultures, and disciplines.
  

The weekly working time is 39 hours. The position is limited to 5 years. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Frau Kerstin Walentowski, Personalreferentin

Tel. 0721/6809-531

Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Requisition Number: 83746Application Deadline: 04/30/2026