Research Assistant - 0.8 working-time - 1st qualification period (PhD candidate)

The Chair group of Environmental Governance focuses on the central question of how political, administrative, and planning structures and processes can be designed to promote a socio-ecological transformation. The work is characterized by the integration of political and social science approaches, a broad and innovative portfolio of research methods, and an interdisciplinary perspective aimed at generating new insights for environmental governance and planning.

The position involves initiating and contributing to research in the field of environmental and sustainability governance within the Chair group’s core research areas. As part of this position, the candidate is expected to complete an individual cumulative dissertation, with innovative topics and approaches explicitly encouraged. Possible research themes include, but are not limited to:

• Public participation and collaborative governance from the local to the global level, including in the Global South;
• Policy integration at the intersection of complex environmental challenges;
• The formation and functioning of socio-ecological networks in polycentric governance systems;
• The governance of sustainability transformations, in particular pathways to overcome existing lock-ins;
• Innovative methods in environmental governance research.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Teaching in governance- and planning-related as well as interdisciplinary topics (primarily in the B.Sc. Ökologie und Umweltplanung and the M.Sc. Environmental Planning programs);
• Supporting the daily organization and smooth collaboration within the research group;
• Assisting in the supervision of theses;
• Analyzing and communicating research results.

• Above-average completed university degree in (Master, Diplom, or equivalent) in Political Science, Environmental and Sustainability Governance, Environmental Planning, or related fields
• Academic experience and interest in environmental and sustainability governance, demonstrated through publications, study projects, and/or thesis work on relevant topics
• In-depth knowledge of research design and methods; experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods is desirable, as well as motivation to further develop methodological expertise
• The ability to teach in German and/or in English is required; willingness to acquire the respective missing language skills
• teaching experience and didactic competence are an advantage
• Strong teamwork and communication skills are a plus
• The ability to work independently and in an organized manner, take initiative, be flexible, and grasp concepts quickly is an asset

Please send your application, including reference number and the usual documents (motivation letter, CV, certificates), only via email (compiled into a PDF file; max. 5 MB) to office@umgov.tu-berlin.de. Please also include a short research proposal (max. 400 words) describing a possible dissertation topic.

By submitting your application via email you consent to having your data electronically processed and saved. Please note that we do not provide a guaranty for the protection of your personal data when submitted as unprotected file. Please find our data protection notice acc. DSGVO (General Data Protection Regulation) at the TU staff department homepage: https://www.abt2-t.tu-berlin.de/menue/themen_a_z/datenschutzerklaerung/.

To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Applications from people of all nationalities and with a migration background are very welcome.