Researcher (postdoc) (m/f/d) in the project JOSHUA – AI-Based Scenario Planning

The Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) analyses the causes of international and intrastate conflicts. As one of the leading peace research institutes in Europe, we combine interdisciplinary basic research with science transfer to the public, the media and policymakers. Since 2009, the PRIF has been a member of the Leibniz Association, a national umbrella organization of outstanding non-university research institutes in Germany. PRIF is headquartered in Frankfurt and has a branch office in Berlin. More than 100 employees from research, administration and science communication contribute to PRIF's success.

We are looking for a new colleague to join our team in Research Department I “International Security” as soon as possible:

One researcher (postdoc) (m/f/d) in full-time, in Salary Group 13 TV-H*, for the duration of 2 years (acc. to § 2 Abs. 1 Satz 2 WissZeitVG**) in the project JOSHUA –  AI-Based Scenario Planning.

Your responsibilities include:

• Setting up and participating in the design of an AI test environment for open-source Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Research on the influence of low-frequency expert data on LLM-based systems and development of robust strategies for integrating expert data.
• Collaboration in the JOSHUA project to incorporate interdisciplinary, domain-specific knowledge into AI-supported crisis early warning and scenario simulation.
• Participation in PRIF’s bodies of self-administration. Central committees communicate in English.

As applicant, you should fulfill the following requirements:

• A good or better doctoral degree (“Gut” acc. to the German grading system) in computer science or another relevant discipline.
• A proven scientific focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML).
• Experience with data analysis using ML or AI methods.
• Experience with data analysis using language models is beneficial.
• Experience in the usage and configuration of Linux-based systems.
• Very good programming skills in Python.
• Knowledge of another programming language (e.g. JavaScript, R or C++) is beneficial.
• Willingness to work in an international team of researchers.
• Participation in the ongoing development of PRIF’s research agenda.
• Willingness to present research to the political and general public.
• Very good spoken and written command of English.

You can expect:

• A motivated, multi-cultural team of international researchers.
• Multi-faceted research work that includes fundamental scientific research, science communication, and political consultancy.
• Flexible hours that allow for the balance of work time and family life with the possibility to work remotely according to an internal guideline.
• A discounted Deutschlandticket.***
• A company pension scheme provided by the VBL.****

PRIF is a recipient of the Total E-Quality award and seeks to promote equal representation in the workforce at all levels and aims to strengthen work/life balance. Therefore, this position can be filled part- or full-time. In the case of equal qualification, applicants with severe disabilities will be treated preferentially. PRIF’s disability officer and diversity officer is Laura Friedrich. She can be contacted confidentially (friedrich(at)prif.org).

Please send your application documents (cover letter, complete CV (without a photo), education and work certificates with grades acc. to the German grading system, a 1-2-page outline of your past research and of your current research interests and goals) as a single PDF to application(at)prif.org with a subject line that consists of your name and the code “JOSHUA_26.2” (e.g. “Max_Mustermann_JOSHUA_26.2”). The application deadline is 28^th of May, 23:59:59 h. The maximum size for file attachments is 10 MB. Unfortunately, application expenses cannot be reimbursed.

* TV-H = Tarifvertrag für den Öffentlichen Dienst des Landes Hessen: Current Tariff Agreement for the German State of Hesse.

** WissZeitVG = Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz: Act on Fixed-Term Employment Contracts in Academia.

*** Deutschlandticket = A ticket that allows for the use of local public transport, such as busses and trains.

**** VBL = Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder: Pension Institution of the Federal and State Governments.