The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is the national institute which prepares expert reports and opinions on questions of food, feed and chemical safety and consumer health protection in Germany on the basis of internationally recognised scientific assessment criteria. It advises the Federal Government and other institutions and interest groups in these areas. The BfR conducts its own research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks. It is an institution with legal capacity within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL).
In the BfR’s Risk Communication Department, the following position is available immediately in the junior research group “Reputation and Trust Building” as part of the Holifood project, limited until 30.09.2026:
Scientific Officer for Sustainable Food Systems and Risk Communication (f/m/d)
Reference number: 3454 | Pay group 13 TVöD | Place of work: Berlin | Application deadline: 23.04.2024
Employment will be at 75% of regular weekly working hours (currently 29.25 hours). An increase in regular working hours to 100% will be sought in the course of the project.
Tasks:
The position is part of the EU-funded project “Holistic Approach to Addressing Systemic Food Risks in Dynamic Global Contexts” (HOLiFOOD) within a newly founded junior research group on reputation and trust building. The work explores suitable participatory methods for generating data and communication on the sustainability performance of food systems. It also deals with the potential institutionalization of such methods in the context of holistic risk analysis approaches.
In detail, the activities include
• Literature research and document analysis on (holistic) risk and sustainability analysis, including participatory risk communication and perception research
• Planning, implementation and evaluation of semi-structured interviews and online consultations with experts on the institutionalization of holistic risk analysis approaches and participatory risk communication
• Writing final reports and scientific publications
Your profile:
• Completed university degree (Master’s degree, diploma or comparable university degree) in sociology, political science, communication science or a comparable field of study
• Experience in conducting literature reviews
• Knowledge of qualitative research methods, preferably with experience in conducting and analyzing semi-structured interviews using MaxQDA and NVivo
• Very good knowledge of German and English (working language primarily English)
• Confidence in stylistic expression and in the presentation of project results
• Ability to work in a structured, goal-oriented, responsible and independent manner
• Open-mindedness, creativity, confident personal appearance
• Flexibility, ability to work in a team, ability to work under pressure, commitment and assertiveness
• Very good IT skills and willingness to travel on business
Desirable:
• Doctorate
• Experience in international research projects
• Knowledge in the fields of risk and participation research
• Knowledge of sustainability research and possible assessments of sustainability, especially in the context of food systems
• Knowledge of European regulations in the food sector
• Knowledge of institutional theories
• Experience in conducting and analysing online consultations
What we can offer you:
• A varied range of tasks in a growing departmental research organisation
• Flexible working hours without fixed working hours
• 30 days’ annual leave (5-day week) plus 24 and 31 December as non-working days
• Additional days-off options via time credits
• Attractive subsidy for company travel ticket/Deutschlandticket Job
• Mobile working options
• Very good connection to the public transport network
• Comprehensive further training opportunities for professional and personal development
• VBL company pension
• Capital accumulation benefits
• Employee welfare (AWO) family service
The full offer with more information about the application process and the online application can be found here.