Your responsibilities
Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.
The advertised position is part of a research project on “Life under Pressure. Political Interventions in the Face of Urbicide” 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 postdoctoral researcher to join “RP5: Life under Pressure: Political Interventions in the Face of Urbicide”. The research project explores how projects of rebuilding and recovery in Ukraine envision the future life in the city after the potential end of the war, and how demands for protection of civilian initiatives and organisations connect to international concerns about urbicide.
The successful candidate will
- conduct the project case study on Ukraine: by generating qualitative data through participant observation and interviews on projects of recovery and rebuilding (remotely) and through online document analysis of social initiatives of protection.
- play a crucial role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications.
- 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 have completed or are about to complete a doctorate in a field relevant to the advertised position, e.g. sociology, urban geography, cultural sociology or anthropology.
- You demonstrate your academic expertise in the broader research field of urban studies, architectural sociology, post-war recovery and/or affect theory, socio-legal studies through high-quality, peer-reviewed publications.
- Familiarity with, and experience of, qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic, or participatory research, discourse analysis.
- You have excellent written and spoken English language skills. Good German language skills are an advantage but not a requirement. Ukrainian language skills are an advantage.
- You are an excellent team player: Communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required.
- International research experience and experience working in interdisciplinary teams are an advantage.
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
Prof. Dr. Susanne Krasmann
susanne.krasmannuni-hamburgde
Reference number: 286
Location
Von-Melle-Park 5
20146 Hamburg
Zu Google Maps
Application deadline: 14.11.2025
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 (concepts, themes and methods),
- an academic CV,
- copies of degree certificate(s),
- and two writing samples.
The interviews will probably take place in one of the first weeks of December 2025.
-> Apply
