Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in , salary level TV-L E 13)

Uni Muenster; Münster; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International research group

Conference funding

Career counselling

Flexible work-time models

Job summary

University of Münster invites applications for a four-year, fixed-term full-time Professorship in Political Science with a focus on International Sustainability. Commencing 1 March 2027, the role includes teaching four hours weekly and maintaining an independent research portfolio in global environmental politics.

Requirements include a MA/MSc and a doctoral degree in Political Science or IR, with demonstrated publications in leading international journals. German language is not required.

Qualifications

• Holds MA/MSc in Political Science, International Relations or a related field.
• Doc­toral degree in Political Science/IR or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated research in International Relations, especially enviro-sustainability or climate links.
• Independent research agenda with multiple peer‑reviewed publications (SSCI‑listed or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Independent research and publication as part of the habilitation process or equivalent achievements.
• Teach approximately 2 courses per term at BA/MA levels in International Relations and sustainability.
• Provide general administrative support and contribute to grant applications.
• Collaborate in research, teaching, supervising theses, and external grant preparation.
• Demonstrate strong motivation, initiative, and scientific curiosity.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

R

Stata

English

Education

MA/ MSc in Political Science or International Relations

Doctoral degree in Political Science/IR

Tools

R

Stata

Job description

Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.

The Professorship in Political Science with a Focus on International Sustainability at the Institute of Political Science, University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a:

commencing on 1 March 2027. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position (100%) for 4 years until 28 February 2031. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

• Independent research and publication activities (as part of the Habilitation process or equivalent academic achievements), ideally related to the research priorities of the Professorship.
• Teaching responsibilities at both BA and MA levels (approx. 2 courses per term) in International Relations and on the political dimensions of sustainability in an international context.
• General administrative support.
• Collaboration in research, teaching, BA/MA thesis supervision, and the preparation of external research grant applications.
• Excellent MA/MSc (or equivalent) and doctoral degrees in Political Science, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge (e.g., in own research contributions, participation in relevant courses, etc.) of research in International Relations, particularly with regard to (but not limited to) international environmental/sustainability politics, global environmental governance, or the international links between climate change and conflict.
• A clearly defined independent research agenda with at least two publications in leading peer reviewed international journals (SSCI-listed or equivalent)
• A high degree of motivation, initiative, and scientific curiosity.
• Commitment and dedication, as well as the ability to work both independ
• Strong skills in quantitative data analysis (preferably using R/Stata).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Experience in university teaching is an advantage.
• German is no requirement for the position.

Advantages for you:

• Work within an internationally oriented research group.
• Generous funding for conferences and fieldwork provided within the research group.
• Research support and career counselling.
• Appreciation, commitment, openness, and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme ( VBL ), an annual end-of-year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.