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Andra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu

2 months ago

Sustainability transformations University of Kassel in Germany

I am recruiting a postdoctoral researcher for the ERC-funded LEVER project on sustainability transformations at the University of Kassel.

Keywords

Education
Anthropology
Environmental Science
Sociology
Political Science
Environmental Psychology
Environmental Sustainability
Impact Assessment
International Collaboration
Knowledge Co-production
Real-world Data
Environmental Sociology
Qualitative Method
Teaching And Learning
Values Education
Transdisciplinarity
Social-ecological System

Description

The University of Kassel is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant for the ERC-funded LEVER project, focusing on the evaluation of transdisciplinary processes for sustainability transformations. The position is based at the Kassel Institute for Sustainability, a new interdisciplinary center dedicated to advancing human-environment interactions, just transitions, cultures of sustainability, and sustainable technology design. The successful candidate will join the Department of Cultures of Sustainability and work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Andra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu. The LEVER project aims to reframe knowledge production to support sustainability transformation, emphasizing the activation of sustainability-aligned values as leverage points. The research team collaborates internationally with partners such as the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, the Institute of Environmental Planning, and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development. Key responsibilities include conducting qualitative evaluations of transformative processes in case studies across Moldova, Romania, and Germany, providing methodological and academic support to PhD candidates, supporting research activities within the Cultures of Sustainability Unit, assisting in teaching and educational program development, and contributing to the strategic growth of the Kassel Institute for Sustainability. Applicants must hold a doctorate in sustainability science(s), environmental social sciences, socio-ecological research, or related disciplines, with strong expertise in qualitative research methods and analysis. Excellent English communication skills are required, and good German skills are desirable. Candidates should have a robust publication record in sustainability and transformation studies and ideally experience with transdisciplinary case studies, real world labs, and impact evaluation. The position is part-time (32 hours/week), fixed-term for 24 months with possible extension, and funded by Horizon Europe - ERC under the EG 13 TV-H pay scale. Employees benefit from public service advantages, including a company pension, annual bonus, child supplement, capital-accumulation benefits, workplace health management, and free public transport. The University of Kassel is committed to equal opportunities, family-friendly policies, and professional development. Applications should be submitted in English via the online form, including a CV, publication list, letter of application, and supporting documents. For further information, contact Prof. Dr. Andra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu at [email protected].

Funding

Funded by Horizon Europe - ERC. EG 13 TV-H pay scale, part-time (32 hours/week), 24 months fixed term with possible extension. Includes public service benefits.

How to apply

Submit your application in English as a single merged PDF including CV, publication list, letter of application, and supporting documents for required qualifications. Apply via the online form at the provided job posting link, stating the reference number. For questions, contact Prof. Dr. Andra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu at [email protected].

Requirements

Applicants must have a completed academic university degree with good to very good grades and a completed doctorate in sustainability science(s), environmental social sciences, socio-ecological research, or other sustainability-oriented disciplines. Proven expertise in qualitative research methods and analysis is required. Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory, and good German language skills are desirable. A strong record of research and scientific publications relevant to sustainability and transformation studies is expected. Experience with transdisciplinary case studies, real world labs, and impact evaluation of new modes of knowledge production is desirable, as is familiarity with place-based and/or international sustainability transformation initiatives and the ability to work in an international, transdisciplinary research team.

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