The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research is looking for a
Student Assistant
for the Secretariat of Population Europe in Berlin.
Population Europe is the network of 41 leading European research centres in the field of policy-relevant population studies. This unique knowledge pool disseminates the most relevant research findings to policy audiences and the public. It has established collaborative ties with more than 20 international stakeholders including the European Commission, the OECD, and the United Nations. More information on the work of Population Europe is available at https://population-europe.eu/. The Secretariat is hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research and situated in the centre of Berlin (see below).
A prerequisite for the position is the enrolment at a German university in communication and media science, political science, international relations or a related field. An interest in “science for policy” approaches would suit the role, as the student assistant will have the opportunity to gain experience in scientific policy advice with regard to policy-relevant research results on population developments (related e.g. to age, health, family, fertility, education, labour market, migration and regional disparities). The position offers the student assistant an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and experience relevant for their studies and to apply what they learned in their courses at the University.
Our future colleague will support the international team of the Population Europe secretariat with the following tasks:
- Summarizing scientific articles in formats accessible for policy audiences;
- Organising online and in-person events at the science-policy interface;
- Production of online and print publications related to policy-relevant population developments;
- Copywriting in English for publications and social media accounts;
- Strategizing and planning of social media messaging (e.g. LinkedIn, BlueSky, YouTube);
- Email marketing initiatives addressing stakeholders from science, policy, business, and civil society;
- Updating our website content;
- Developing graphic materials in-line with our brand identity.
Your profile:
- Team-work experience;
- Native- or C2-level knowledge of the English language, preferably with editing experience;
- An interest in deepening and broadening relevant knowledge and skills in social science research, science communication and policy dialogue;
- Good knowledge and practical experience with social media platforms, preferably with LinkedIn and BlueSky;
- Graphic design skills.
The successful candidate should ideally start on July 1, 2026. The initial contract runs for 6 months with the possibility of an extension. The number of working hours is 9 hours per week.
The place of work is at the Max Planck Society’s office in Berlin, WissenschaftsForum am Gendarmenmarkt, Markgrafenstr. 37, 10117 Berlin. The workplace is accessible without barriers.
How to apply
The application should include a cover letter as well as a CV with details of your academic studies, grades, and your interests.
Please send your application, as a single PDF, by 15 March 2026 to Dr. Andreas Edel, Executive Secretary of Population Europe / Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research at applications@population-europe.eu with the subject “Student Assistant 2026”.
The MPIDR is an equal opportunities employer. Our work atmosphere includes respectful treatment of each other, with gender, nationality, religion, disability, age, cultural origin, and sexual identity playing no role. We aim to have an institutional culture that enables everyone to develop their individual skills and competencies. The MPIDR values diversity and is keen to employ individuals from minorities. We are committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in our workforce and therefore encourage applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourage women to apply.