Job Opportunity
For its Research Group “Health and Social Inequality” the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) is looking for
a Student Assistant (f/m/x)
on a temporary basis from 1 May to 31 December 2026 and with a weekly workload of 10 hours.
The WZB Berlin Social Science Center is a publicly financed research institution that conducts leading edge theory-based and problem-oriented social science research (http://.wzb.eu/en). WZB researchers come from across the globe and work across social science disciplines including sociology, political science, economics, law, and psychology. A member of the Leibniz Association, WZB’s research is directed at the science community, policy makers, the media and the general public.
The student assistant will support a WZB Seed Money project on the well‑being and mental health consequences of romantic relationship dissolution within the research group “Health and Social Inequalities” (led by Prof. Dr. Jan Paul Heisig). The focus of the project is a systematic literature review (pre‑registered, PRISMA‑guided) synthesising quantitative evidence on the well‑being and mental health outcomes and consequences of romantic relationship dissolution and how these vary by intersecting sociodemographic characteristics (gender, household/family structure, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, parental status, age) and union type. There is the possibility of extending current employment contracts at the WZB.
Your tasks and duties
* Support in the creation of the pre-registration of the systematic literature review and development of the search string
* Help run and manage the literature search (Web of Science, ProQuest and additional manual searches)
* Consolidate search results into a single database, remove duplicates, and maintain the reference database (EndNote, Zotero or similar)
* Support semi‑automated screening using ASReview and perform manual title/abstract and full‑text screening according to inclusion/exclusion criteria (two‑reviewer procedure)
* Retrieve and organise full texts; document screening decisions and produce the PRISMA flowchart
* Assist with data extraction and basic coding of study characteristics and outcomes into spreadsheets or REDCap
* Contribute to the narrative synthesis (summarising patterns of effects, moderators, and study quality) and to manuscript preparation and dissemination activities (meeting notes, slides)
* Participate in regular project meetings
Your qualifications profile
* Enrolled student (Bachelor or Master) in sociology, demography, public health, psychology, social sciences or related fields
* Very good reading/writing skills in English and working knowledge of German
* Experience with academic literature searches and reference managers (Web of Science, ProQuest, PubMed, EndNote/Zotero/Citavi) — or strong motivation to learn quickly
* Experience with or willingness to learn ASReview (or similar semi‑automated screening tools)
* Very good attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to work reliably and independently
* Familiarity with systematic review methods / PRISMA is an advantage
* Basic (literature) data handling skills (Excel, Google Sheets)
Our offer
* Remuneration according to the TdL guidelines (currently €13.98 per hour without a Bachelor's degree and €14.59 per hour with a Bachelor's degree)
* A well-equipped workplace in the center of Berlin
* International, cooperative, and diversified working environment
* In-depth integration into the scientific community in the form of colloquiums and conferences
* Thorough instruction and guidance
* Flexible working hours and the possibility of mobile working (at least 20% of the weekly working hours agreed in the contract)
* We promote a good work-life balance
* Cafeteria with modern recreation rooms
* Discounted leisure and recreation opportunities with a membership in Sozialwerk.Bund
* Counselling and support services for WZB employees in difficult life situations
We value diversity and welcome all applications – irrespective of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. WZB expressly encourages women or persons with migration backgrounds to apply. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities will be given preference.
If you have any questions regarding the job opening, please contact Lara Bister (lara.bister[at]wzb.eu).
Job interviews will likely take place on 23 March 2026.
For more information about the research group “Health and Social Inequality”, follow this https://wzb.eu/en/research/dynamics-of-social-inequalities/health-and-social-inequality.
For more information about WZB, see .wzb.eu.
Have we caught your interest? In that case, we are looking forward to receiving your application including CV, motivation letter and relevant certificates as one pdf via our online application tool by 18 February 2026.
Apply now