Postdoctoral Researchers in the Economics of Security and Related Disciplines

The Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security – BIGS – is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization with an inter- and multidisciplinary approach with a mission to close the gap between academia and practice in civil security. We co-operate closely with the University of Potsdam and in international academic networks.

The Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security is a young and growing research team conducting high quality research on civil security and deriving policy advice from this research. BIGS develops innovative strategies and solutions for the threats which confront liberal democracies in today’s world – and in the world of the future.

The Brandenburg Institute for Society and Security is hiring a

Postdoctoral Researcher

in the Economics of Security and Related Disciplines

to participate in research activities of a long-term research project which will create a system of indicators that measure insecurity and security provision in Germany, as well as their effects on the economy. The research project is being conducted in cooperation with the German Institute for Economic Research – DIW Berlin. One of the main research goals of BIGS is a statistical survey of the security industry.

A successful candidate should hold a PhD in economics or a related discipline (including but not limited to business administration, criminology, sociology, or statistics) and have a strong econometric background. Applicants should have a profound knowledge of and strong research interest in economics and issues concerning civil security, terrorism, conflict, violence, organized crime, maritime piracy or security policy. This background should ideally be documented by peer reviewed publications. Fluency in German and in English is required.

The position is available from February 2012 for a duration of three years. BIGS offers a family-friendly work environment.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a statement outlining their motivation for joining the project and their research interests (1-2 pages), a sample of written work, detailed curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificates, and two academic letters of recommendation. Applications papers can be submitted in English as well as in German.

Please send your application by January 3rd 2012 to Dr. Tim Stuchtey, Brandenburgisches Institut für Gesellschaft und Sicherheit gGmbH, Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 178, 14482 Potsdam, Germany, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . For further information, please refer to our homepage (http://www.bigs-potsdam.org/) or contact Therese Skrzypietz ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ).