Research Assistant in Regional Transformative Capacities and Transdisciplinary Methods

At the University of Göttingen -Public Law Foundation-, Geographisches Institut - Abt. Humangeographie, there is a position as

to be filled. Starting date is as soon as possible. The position is limited to 3 years.

The position in the research focus area “Regional Transformative Capacities and Transdisciplinary Methods” is expressly suited for doctoral qualification. It is affiliated with the Chair of “Geographic Resource and Environmental Conflict Research” and is part of the collaborative project “AgRe-Lab - Building climate resilience in agricultural landscapes through social-ecological diversification, co-design, and transdisciplinary learning.”

AgRe-Lab is funded by “zukunft.niedersachsen,” the joint research funding program of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation. This transdisciplinary project aims to develop and implement innovative measures for climate protection and the conservation of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes through co-design processes, landscape governance, and transdisciplinary learning.

The position’s research focus is on developing a typology of regional transformative capacities based on qualitative social research, as well as conducting transdisciplinary, comparative case studies in three different landscapes in Lower Saxony. In addition to qualitative data collection and analysis from interviews, the position’s responsibilities also include organizing, conducting, and analyzing several transdisciplinary workshops. The goal is to investigate the extent to which transdisciplinary methods and processes can enhance regional transformation capacities

Your Tasks:

•     Designing and conducting your own research (doctoral studies) on the topic of “Regional Transformative Capacities”;
•     Conducting comparative, empirical case studies on transformations in selected agricultural landscapes of Lower Saxony using qualitative interviews;
•     Organizing, conducting, and evaluating transdisciplinary workshops;
•     Publishing research findings in international academic journals and other relevant publications;
•     Integrating your own research and collaborating within the project network;
•     Presenting findings at academic conferences.

Your Profile:

•     Excellent degree from a university (Master’s or equivalent) in human geography, sustainability sciences, or a related field;
•     Excellent knowledge of qualitative social science research methods;
•     Knowledge of theories and concepts in sustainability-oriented transformation research, geographical conflict research, political ecology, or similar fields;
•     A particular interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research approaches;
•     Ability to work in a team, high level of commitment, and ability to work independently;
•     Willingness to travel for work and give presentations;
•     Excellent command of German and English (spoken and written).

We offer:

•     excellent conditions for research and professional development,
•     a comprehensive range of continuing education opportunities,
•     a collegial and open-minded work environment that encourages initiative and independent work,
•     flexible working hours to help you balance family responsibilities and professional obligations.

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please upload your application in one pdf file including the usual documents until 8/30/2026 on the application portal of the university using this link: http://obp.uni-goettingen.de/de-de/OBF/Index/76604. For more information get in touch with Jana Zscheischler directly via E-Mail: jana.zscheischler@uni-goettingen.de, Tel. +49 551-39-28022 .

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the Information General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

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