The project “State, Risk, and Society (STARS)” is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. We examine the adjustment of national policies, regulation, and banking systems to global finance to further our understanding of the causes and effects of the financial crisis. National policies and politics in advanced democracies have to mediate between the demands of their electorates as well as the realities of global markets. In this process, we argue specific policies (pensions, public banks, regulation, reform policies) play a crucial role for the workings of financial markets. This common theme is realized in four sub-projects. Prof. Kai Wegrich considers the role of the state as regulator of financial markets in the sub-project on “Public Images of Financial Market Regulation.” It analyzes regulatory responses to public discourses about financial market failure and enforcement deficits of regulatory authorities. Prof. Anke Hassel investigates the role of pension reforms and their repercussions on financial markets in the sub-project “Pension Reforms and the Financial Crisis”. Prof. Mark Hallerberg explores the role of the state as bank owner in the sub-project “Public Finance through Public Banks: The Contribution of the Publicly Owned Banks in Creating and Resolving Financial Crises”. This sub-project examines how public ownership affects the risk of financial crisis and circumscribes crisis management strategies. Finally, Prof. Mark Kayser leads the sub-project “Who reforms? Electoral Competitiveness, Crisis and Economic Adjustment” and focuses on the state as a democratic agent. He studies the constraints of electoral vulnerability for reform outcomes. We call for applications for • One 100% post doctoral position at approximately 44.000 euros per year gross (that is, before deductions, TV-L Berlin 14). The post doc will be assigned to the pension reform project. In addition to research tasks, the post doc will be responsible for coordinating the sub-projects and planning and administering the public events, such as conferences and workshops. • Three 50% doctoral positions at approximately 20.600 euros gross (TV-L Berlin 13). The doctoral students will be expected to apply to the Hertie School’s PhD Programme in Governance. The doctoral researchers will conduct research tasks within their specific subproject and are expected to support the activities of the overall project. 
The positions will begin in September 2015 and last 36 months. The salary follows the German pay scale for researchers. The recipients of these positions will be expected to reside in the Berlin metropolitan area. Support for presentation at conferences and some research travel is included. 
We have an inter-disciplinary team and encourage applicants holding a MA degree (PhD for the post doctoral position) from economics, political science, public administration, and/or sociology. The language of this project and the Hertie School, in general, is English. For the post-doctoral position, German language knowledge is an asset. The Hertie School is an equal opportunity employer. 
The Hertie School of Governance is a public policy school based in Berlin, Germany. It has an interdisciplinary, and internationally recruited, faculty. More information may be found at http://www.hertie-school.org. 
Applications should include a CV, a cover letter that explains which sub-project is relevant for the candidate and why, and one recent publication or paper. The materials should be e-mailed as one pdf file to Ms. Dayna Sadow at sadow@hertie-school.org.The deadline for full consideration is 10 April 2015. Strict confidentiality is assured. 
Informal enquiries can be addressed to the principal investigators of each of the sub-projects (contact information can be found on the Hertie School’s website). Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding