Post-Doctoral Research Associate (m/f/d) Sustainability Policy and Governance of Global Value Chains (social sciences)

As a humanistic, sustainable and action-oriented university, Leuphana University of Lüneburg stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary cooperation, transdisciplinary cooperation with practice and an overall dynamic development characterise its research profile in the core topics of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability and state. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has won many awards.

The University is looking for a responsible, motivated and committed person for the School of Sustainability, Institute of Sustainability Governance, starting 1 October 2024.

Post-Doctoral Research Associate (m/f/d) Sustainability Policy and Governance of Global Value Chains
(salary group EG 14 TV-L, 100%, for a duration of 48 months)

This position – subject to the final approval of funding – is part of a collaborative project within the joint funding program 'zukunft.niedersachsen' of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) and the VolkswagenFoundation.

The project is coordinated by Leuphana University Lüneburg and Osnabrück University, involving as well the University of Oldenburg and the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Hamburg. The position is based in the hanseatic town of Lüneburg, within the vibrant metropolitan region around Hamburg.

The collaborative project aims to understand the effects of new supply chain laws and governance initiatives on global value chains (GVCs) and their sustainability, notably as regards the environment and human rights. It seeks to explore the potential and limits of mandatory regulations alongside private initiatives, focusing on key stakeholders like states, companies, auditing organizations, and civil society. The project integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from political science, law, economics, business administration, geography, and development cooperation. It will compare GVCs across sectors, incorporating insights from both the Global North and South. We aim to determine how effectively these regulations can drive sustainability, balancing environmental protection, human rights, and economic considerations. The project consortium involves 11 PIs and another 11 post-doc and doctoral researchers across the four research institutions.

Your tasks:

• Conceptual and empirical research on the sustainability governance of global value chains from a political science perspective (approx. 40% of working time);
• Scientific coordination of the collaborative project (30%), supported by administrative staff and student assistants, including the organization of a summer school and managing internal and external communications;
• Own scientific qualification, e.g. Habilitation project (30%).

Your profile:

• The successful candidate should have an excellent PhD in the social sciences (e.g. political science, human geography or a related interdisciplinary field such as environmental governance).

Desired personal attributes include:

• A committed personality, able to work independently, and an excellent communicator
• Publication experience in English language
• Experience with environmental and/or sustainability governance and/or policy
• Experience with analysis of global, national and/or multi-level governance systems
• Experience with analysis of global value chains, supply chains, and/or production networks in a context of sustainability governance
• Very good English language communication skills (written and oral)
• Ability and interest to coordinate an interdisciplinary project consortium across four research institutions
• German language proficiency would be an additional asset

Our offer:

• A leading role in a high-profile research project with resources for field research and conference trips,
• A vibrant interdisciplinary research environment with excellent contacts both within the collaborative project and to international research groups,
• An inspiring working environment as part of the university community of researchers, teachers, students and staff in technology and administration,
• A workplace at one of the most beautiful university locations in Germany in a true campus university with an internationally acclaimed central building by Daniel Libeskind and the directly adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve,
• A high level of job security as part of the public service,
• An additional company pension scheme through the Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder (VBL),
• Flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flextime framework from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.,
• Flexible and family-friendly opportunities to alternate between presence work and mobile work,
• An extensive internal and external continuing education programme,
• A wide range of sporting activities sponsored by the university, which employees can take part in for one hour per week during working hours to promote their health,
• A university-sponsored catering service for lunch and dinner in the refectory,
• A “Germany ticket” sponsored by the university as a job ticket.
• The position is basically suitable for part-time work, but the aim is to fill it 100 per cent.

Your application:

For questions about the position, please contact Prof. J. Newig () or Prof. A. Lenschow ().

Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes professional gender equality and heterogeneity among its members. Applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have the same qualifications. Please also note our data protection information for applicants.

Applicants should submit a cover letter (including evidence of the above-mentioned desired personal attributes with around 100 words each), their CV; up to three writing samples; relevant certificates and transcripts (incl. Abitur / high school); and the names of up to three academic referees by 31 July 2024 , digitally (summarized in one single PDF file) or by post to Leuphana Universität Lüneburg
Human Resources and Legal Affairs / Application Management
Kennwort: Governance GVC
Universitätsallee 1
21335 Lüneburg
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