The Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) is an international, interdisciplinary research institute located in Potsdam, Germany financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Federal State of Brandenburg. It is devoted to promoting science and research for global sustainability, particularly in the areas of climate change, the earth systems and social pathways to sustainability.
The IASS is currently seeking applications for a Research Associate (m/f) Ref-Nr. GSF-10.
Under the supervision of the coordinator of the transdisciplinary research project “Begleitforschung Bodenrehabilitierung” and in close cooperation with project partners, the successful applicant will be responsible for contributing to the success of the overall project as outlined above, in particular via an in-depth case study in the project partner country India, with a focus on the two states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Specifically, the positions will entail the following activities:
- Develop a systematic analysis of existing approaches for land rehabilitation, their implementation pathways as well as of the relations between all relevant stakeholders in the project area in the respective partner country;
- Establish and maintain cooperation with partners in the project area and with organizations at national, European and international level;
- Support the development of a participatory research agenda on land rehabilitation and tenure security within the bilateral areas of action of the BMZ programme;
- Conduct a transdisciplinary process aimed at the implementation of the participatory research agenda;
- Feeding back of project findings into the final publication as well as relevant local, national and international fora in order to support integration and upscaling of lessons learnt at national and international policy level.
Requirements:
- Master or PhD in Development Studies, Environmental Governance, Geography, Political Sciences or related fields;
- Experience in conducting social science research, ideally through participatory approaches and methods;
- Significant and demonstrable understanding of development issues in India, gained inter alia through field work;
- Ability to work and communicate effectively, diplomatically and sensitively with a wide range of partners from science, politics, business and civil society at national and international level;
- An in-depth knowledge of land rehabilitation, sustainable soil and land management and responsible land governance issues;
- Working experience in carrying out transdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with international organizations and local partner organizations will be an asset;
- Experience in and in-depth knowledge of stakeholder processes, dialogue processes and institutional analysis will be an asset;
- Ability and willingness to travel several months per year as well as fitness for service in the tropics;
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Good working knowledge of German is a strong asset.
Remuneration:
The remuneration for these positions is based on the TVöD (Bund) scale 13. Following benefits are offered:
- A position in sustainability research that links science with decision-taking in civil society, national and international development policy;
- The opportunity to work in a high-profile, international research project;
- The possibility to conduct transdisciplinary research on the ground in collaboration with different partner organizations;
- Excellent contacts to a range of national and international political and research organizations;
- An innovative working environment within a dynamic team.
How to apply?
Applications, including a cover letter and a full CV with two referees should be received no later than 25 June 2015 by e-mail. For further information and details on these positions, please contact Katrin Wlucka (katrin.wlucka@iass-potsdam.de). The IASS particularly encourages applications from female researchers; handicapped applicants will be given preference in case of equal qualifications. The positions are to be filled as soon as possible and will run until 31 December 2017. The interviews will take place on the 20 and 21 July 2015.
Location: Potsdam, Germany
Deadline: 25 June 2015
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