Application Guide

How to Apply for Researcher

at Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany

🏢 About Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany

Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) is Germany's leading foreign policy and international security think tank, providing independent research to inform policymakers in the German government and EU institutions. What makes SWP unique is its direct influence on policy formulation through evidence-based analysis and its position as a bridge between academia and government. Working here offers the opportunity to contribute to shaping European cyber diplomacy and security frameworks at the highest levels.

About This Role

This Researcher role focuses on analyzing cyber security incidents within the EU context and developing diplomatic response frameworks using data from the www.eurepoc.eu platform. The position involves systematic analysis of open-source intelligence (political, technical, and legal dimensions) and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations. This role is impactful because it directly contributes to strengthening the EU's cyber diplomacy capabilities and response mechanisms to security threats.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing recent cyber security incidents using open-source intelligence, coding their characteristics across political, technical, and legal dimensions into the research framework. You might spend time developing or refining diplomatic response models based on eurepoc.eu data, then drafting analytical briefs that translate technical findings into policy-relevant language for EU stakeholders. Regular coordination with team members on research methodologies and preparation for upcoming events or publications would also be part of the routine.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany Is Looking For

  • Holds a completed Master's degree or equivalent in International Relations, European Studies, Law with EU focus, Computer Science, or Data Analysis with demonstrated research capabilities
  • Possesses specific knowledge of norm-building and European diplomacy, particularly regarding regulatory issues in cyber security and AI applications for research purposes
  • Has experience analyzing open-source intelligence and coding incident characteristics across political, technical, and legal dimensions
  • Demonstrates high motivation for data-driven research design and the ability to conceptualize and execute events and publications

📝 Tips for Applying to Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany

1

Highlight specific experience with open-source intelligence (OSINT) analysis methodologies, particularly for cyber security incidents

2

Demonstrate familiarity with the EU diplomatic framework and how it relates to cyber security responses - reference specific EU institutions or mechanisms

3

Show concrete examples of how you've systematically coded and analyzed complex incidents across multiple dimensions (political, technical, legal)

4

Mention any experience with the eurepoc.eu platform or similar cyber incident databases

5

Emphasize your ability to translate technical cyber security concepts into diplomatic/policy language suitable for EU stakeholders

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific methodology for analyzing cyber incidents across political, technical, and legal dimensions', 'How your background in norm-building and European diplomacy applies to cyber security regulation', "Examples of research-to-policy translation you've accomplished in previous roles", 'Your motivation for working at the intersection of technical analysis and diplomatic framework development']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → SWP's current publications on EU cyber security and digital policy (check their recent reports)
  • → The eurepoc.eu platform - understand its structure, data types, and how it's used in EU policy circles
  • → EU's current cyber diplomacy framework and recent initiatives (like the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox)
  • → SWP's specific role in advising the German government on EU matters and how their researchers contribute to policy

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for analyzing a cyber security incident using open-source intelligence
2 How would you approach developing a diplomatic response framework based on incident data from eurepoc.eu?
3 What are the main challenges in translating technical cyber security data into actionable diplomatic responses?
4 How do you see AI regulation intersecting with cyber security diplomacy in the EU context?
5 Describe a time you had to present complex technical findings to non-technical policy stakeholders
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only technical cyber security knowledge but no understanding of EU diplomatic processes
  • Failing to demonstrate how your research translates into practical policy recommendations
  • Not showing familiarity with the specific intersection of cyber security and EU institutional frameworks
  • Submitting generic applications that don't address the specific eurepoc.eu platform and data analysis requirements

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP) – Germany!

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