Job Description

HPI is recognized as one of the leading university institutes for computer science (www.hpi.de). Our goal is to strengthen Europe's digital sovereignty with excellent research and practice-oriented teaching in computer science. At HPI, we are convinced that excellence is created when knowledge from different disciplines is collaboratively combined to create responsible and pioneering solutions for the future.

In our research clusters "Systems," "Data and AI," "Foundations," "Digital Health," "Security," and "Business and Society" researchers from various disciplines work together on topics relevant to solving the challenges facing society. The Digital Engineering Faculty of the University of Potsdam and HPI offers a computer science engineering degree program that is unique in Germany.

In the course of its strong growth, the Hasso Plattner Institute is looking for the earliest possible start date for

Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/x) - Business & Society

This full-time position is available immediately for 36 months at HPI in Potsdam. Sponsorship for a work visa can be provided. The salary is 72k€ per year.

The Business & Society Cluster at the Hasso Plattner Institute is currently seeking to fill one postdoctoral research position and is inviting applications from excellent candidates. This is an exceptional opportunity for a highly motivated and talented individual to conduct cutting-edge research. The successful candidates are expected to set their own research agenda in the context of one of the following areas:


Human-Centered Innovation and Design Thinking Human and AI with a psychological lens Historicizing Technology and Social Change Power, Platforms and Digital Political Economy Alternative Internet Architectures and Plural Digital Futures

Your Qualifications

We are looking for candidates with a strong academic track record, a passion for interdisciplinary research, and the ambition to create real-world impact. The ideal candidate will:


Hold, or be near completion of, a doctoral degree in a relevant field such as computer science, information systems, law, economics, social sciences, psychology, public policy, or related interdisciplinary areas Demonstrate research excellence through publications or equivalent research outputs appropriate to their career stage — including contributions to A journals, whether through rigorous empirical work, theory building, or conceptual research, depending on the standards of their field Show a strong interest in digital transformation at the intersection of business, technology, and society Have excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills Be self-motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively Have a strong command of spoken and written English; German language skills are a plus, but not required Ideally bring experience in the societal application or translation of research, e.g. in the context of public policy, startups, innovation, or regulation Present a research agenda that complements or extends the work of one or more research groups in the Business & Society Cluster at HPI

What we offer

The Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) is Germany’s center of excellence for digital engineering, where fundamental and cutting-edge research meets knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. HPI offers an engineering computer science program that is unique in Germany and is particularly practice-oriented. The institute is located in Potsdam (near Berlin), which offers a variety of educational opportunities, recreation, and a rich cultural life. Additional benefits:


Strong academic coaching and highly competitive salaries Personal annual budget for travel and other expenses Opportunity to set and develop an independent research agenda An inspiring scientific environment with a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere Attractive employee offers (corporate benefits) Access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to work on research projects with leading business partners and international academic institutions Professional development support, such as training on writing grant proposals, teaching, and community outreach Opportunity to support teaching of our bachelor’s and master's courses

Have we caught your interest? Then we look forward to receiving your application documents

The application should include:
a cover letter (max two pages) detailing your fit with the qualifications mentioned and explaining how your background and research interests make you well-suited to address the proposed research areas, a CV, up to three contact details as references, and any additional information you deem relevant




For full consideration, apply by

30.09.2025

via the careers page. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. If you have any questions or are unsure whether you want to apply, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact person HR-Recruiting

Tobias Pröchtel/ Nicola Mertens

+49 331 5509-425/ 428

Contact specialist department

Dr. Frank Pawlitschek, Business & Society Cluster Coordinator

Frank.pawlitschek@hpi.de

Hasso-Plattner-Institut für Digital Engineering gGmbH

Prof.-Dr.-Helmert-Str. 2-3

14482 Potsdam