Chair of Political Science, Social Data Science
Professor Marc Ratkovic, Ph.D.
Welcome to our website! Here at the Chair of Social Data Science, we are working to integrate machine learning and deep learning methods into practical social science methodology. The research and teaching at the chair focuses on utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) for statistical inference and causal inference. Our work has appeared in top journals across political science, statistics, and computer science.
We are building a team of top researchers, an integrated server system, a Masters level curriculum, and a series of events all focused on pushing quantitative and computational social science forwards.
You can find more information throughout this site.
Thank you for your interest!
Call for Applications now open: Scientific Head of the department “Survey Design and Methodology” (SDM) / Joint W3 professorship for Survey Methodology at the University of Mannheim and GESIS
In a joint appointment procedure of GESIS – Leibniz-Institute for the Social Sciences and the University of Mannheim, a
Scientific Head
of the department “Survey Design and Methodology” (SDM)
at the GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Mannheim location, is to be filled at the earliest possible date. At the same time, the appointment is made in accordance with the “Jülich Model” (for Joint Professorial Appointments) to a
W3 professorship for
Survey Methodology
at the School of Social Sciences of the University of Mannheim. The initial appointment will be for five years, with the aim of tenure. Exact modalities of the position will be agreed upon with the successful applicant. The professorship is located at the University of Mannheim and is associated with a teaching obligation of two semester hours per week in the programs in Political Science, Psychology or Sociology at the School of Social Sciences. The appointment requirements are based on § 47 of the Baden-Württemberg State Higher Education Act.
GESIS is the largest research-based service provider for the social sciences in Europe and is known for independence, reliability, quality, and competence in the social sciences. GESIS is funded by the German federal and state governments and is a member of the Leibniz Association. The department Survey Design and Methodology (SDM) is both nationally and internationally recognized for its expertise in survey methodology, gained over many years by conducting own research as well as consulting on and implementing renowned survey projects. SDM supports researchers in collecting high-quality survey data. To this end, SDM provides guidance and methods for collecting and assessing the quality of these data.
If you are interested in learning more about this position, please take a look at the official postings linked below and feel free to get in touch with any questions.
The deadline for applications for this position is May 4, 2025.
Our Corporate Partners
Contact
Dr. Birgitta Schirmer
School for Social Sciences
Political Science, Social Data Science
A 5, 6
Building B – Room B129
68159 Mannheim