Postdoctoral Researcher - Shaping Digital Culture in Public Administration

Our new research project funded by the Stiftung Mercator aims to explore how cultural change, leadership, and digital competences can accelerate digital transformation and strengthen German public administration. In order to strengthen the outreach and impact of the research, the project will collaborate with relevant actors from both public administration and civil society and link to the previous work of the Initiative für einen Handlungsfähigen Staat .

To lead this three year research project the Hertie School is looking for a highly motivated and experienced Postdoctoral Researcher . The position will start at the earliest on 1 February 2026 for a period of 3 years. Remuneration will be in line with TV-L E 13 Berlin and the researcher will be associated with our Centre for Digital Governance and work closely together with Prof. Dr. Thurid Hustedt and Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid.

• Developing, shaping and conducting theory-driven empirical research in the areas of cultural change, digitalization, leadership and HRM in public administration;
• Leading a research team of two PhD researchers and several other research associates and liasing with the foundation and two advisory bodies planned for the project;
• Applying mixed-method research (combining case study research, surveys and other methods) to generate research findings to be published in top journals in the field;
• Liaising with German government officials and other researchers and practice networks in the field of digital transformation of German government to generate data and disseminate the findings;
• Organizing practice-oriented formats to strengthen capacity and competence building in German public administration such as learning journeys or closed discussion formats;
• Preparing research publications, research reports and policy briefs.

• You have a strong record of academic research with good ideas for taking your research forward into the area of this research project;
• You have a PhD (or equivalent) in Public Administration, (Public) Management, Public Policy, Organisation Studies, or a related field with a record of publications or other academic contributions (we can also accept applications of candidates who will finish their Phd before summer 2026);
• Knowledge of and/or work experience with Germany's public administration;
• Experience in managing (research) projects or training formats and liasing with public administration executives;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in German is mandatory.

• 30 days paid holidays per year and up to 20 days workation possible
• Flexible Working Hours
• Good Traffic Connections
• International and diverse work environment
• Mobile working possible
• Retirement Pension Plan

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