We’re hiring!

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Come work on sustainability issues – We’re hiring a Postdoc!

We are looking for a highly qualified researcher to join the new research group Sustainability Transition Policy at FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, at the School of Business, Economics and Society in Nürnberg, Germany, as Akademischer Rat/Akademische Rätin [academic civil servant]. The Sustainability Transition Policy groups does problem-driven, interdisciplinary research about policies and strategies for the transition to climate neutrality in Germany, Europe and globally.

Job description
The position is for an independent researcher, integrated in the team but with considerable freedom to pursue own research agendas within the broader agenda of the group, related to climate, energy and broader environmental policy topics. Our work together will focus on empirical energy and climate policy analysis, including the role of policy in past (successful and failed) transitions, and feedback between policies, technologies and systems.

Our empirical work serves as the basis for rigorous prospective analysis of policy options, as information to support upcoming policy decisions and processes. This may include using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including methodological advances wherever appropriate. We will consider excellent candidates with either qualitative or quantitative backgrounds; both are equally appropriate for the position.

The position comes with standard teaching obligations for a full-time position (5 hours/week each semester). The teaching is done independently but in coordination with the group and the faculty. The principal tasks are research and publication of results in international peer-reviewed journals, proposal writing and grant management, as well as collaboration within the Sustainability Transition Policy group and supporting junior group colleagues.

Necessary qualifications

  • Excellent and completed doctoral dissertation, in political science, economics, transition studies or related field focused on energy, climate or transition policy, including energy modelling. We will only consider applications from candidates with a PhD degree, or at least a submitted doctoral thesis
  • Demonstrated experience with energy or climate (policy) analysis, quantitative or qualitative
  • Excellent publication record in international, peer-reviewed journals
  • Excellent English skills
  • Openness for interdisciplinary collaboration

Beneficial qualifications

  • Teaching experience
  • Experience with proposal writing and grant management

Further information
The position is full time (100%). Working place is Nürnberg, with some possibility for remote work. For teaching, presence in Nürnberg is mandatory and not negotiable.

The position holds the option for Verbeamtung auf Zeit [temporary civil servant position], given that the formal prerequisites are met, and will be remunerated under the A13 salary regulation. Importantly, only EU citizens are eligible for the civil servant position. For citizens of other countries, the position may be converted to a regular Postdoc position (then in salary group TV-L E13).

The position will initially be for 3 years, and may be extended for up to 3 further years. Expected starting date is spring 2024, or as soon as possible. We will start evaluating submissions on 1 April 2024 and will accept further applications until the position is filled.

Sustainability Transition Policy is a highly interdisciplinary research group and we encourage applications from across the social and economic sciences, but are open to candidates with demonstrated methodological skills applicable in energy and climate (policy) research. Candidates with a background only in engineering or natural sciences, without demonstrated experience with policy or economic analysis will not be considered.

Please direct questions to johan.lilliestam@fau.de.

Please apply with a short (!) letter of motivation (max 1 page), CV including publication list, and if applicable material to demonstrate skills or experiences (e.g. a paper, a thesis, etc.). Please do not send “letters of recommendation” but instead provide reference contact details (mail and/or phone). Applicants invited to an interview will be asked to provide further materials.

Further information can be found here: https://www.jobs.fau.de/jobs/akademischer-rat-m-f-d-sustainability-transition-policy-99634132/

Note (translation from the German, original text here)

Friedrich-Alexander-Universität promotes equal opportunities for women in the workplace. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.

Severely disabled persons within the meaning of the Severely Disabled Persons Act will be given preferential consideration if they have the same professional qualifications and personal suitability, if the advertised position is suitable for severely disabled persons. Details can be found in the respective job advertisement under “Remarks”.

At the applicant’s request, the Equal Opportunities Officer can be consulted during the interview without any disadvantages for the applicant.

This is a full-time position.