Research Associate for the Project “RP4: Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Promise Norm and its Contested Meanings” in the DFG Research Unit 5870 “The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The advertised position is part of a research project on “RP4: Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Promise Norm and its Contested Meanings” in the collaborative and interdisciplinary DFG Research Unit 5870 “The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times”. PROMISE investigates how democratic governments and societies struggle over priorities and limits of protection amid multiplying crises. PROMISE assesses and compares changes in democratic states’ practices of protection and theorizes the transformation of promises of security in what we conceptualize as “catastrophic times.” More details on the project can be found here.

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher to join “RP4 Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Promise Norm and Its Contested Meanings”. The project retraces the emergence of the security promise retrospectively, paired by multi-sited ethnographic research on the ‘norm bundles’ of ‘climate change’ and ‘war’. The project asks what does the promise hold in light of today’s catastrophic times? This leading question is twofold: how has the security promise become a norm (historical emergence), and what does the norm hold in store for today’s global world (present substance)?

The successful candidate will

• conduct the project case study on the present substance of the security promise norm based on interviews within the UN’s institutional setting as well as UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties, conducting multi-sited ethnographic research on the ‘norm bundles’ of ‘climate change’ and ‘war’;
• work towards the completion of a PhD thesis on the topic of the Contested Meanings of the Security Promise Norm;
• play a crucial role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications; and
• present research findings at specialist conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats, where appropriate.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• You hold an excellent Masters’ degree in the social sciences.
• You have a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, the advertised research field; initial academic publications are an advantage.
• Familiarity with, and initial experience of, qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic, or participatory research, is an advantage.
• You have excellent written and spoken English language skills. Good German language skills are an advantage but not a requirement.
• You are an excellent team player: Communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Instructions for applying

Contact: 

Antje Wiener

antje.wieneruni-hamburgde

+49 40 42838-3232

Irina Föllmer

irina.foellmeruni-hamburgde

+49 40 42838-4086

Reference number: 285

Use only the online application form to submit your application. Your application should consist of

• a cover letter detailing your research interests in the advertised field and your methods skills
• an academic CV,
• copies of degree certificate(s),
• and one writing sample.

Please compile all documents into one PDF file.

-> Apply