Postdoctoral Reseracher Social and Cultural Anthropology Wiss2512-15 | University of Cologne, G[...]

Karlstad University; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading European university is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Social and Cultural Anthropology to conduct field studies on the socio-economic impacts of renewable energies, implement household surveys in Kenya, and publish findings. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D. and have experience in ethnographic methods. The position offers extensive training and support for work-life balance. This is a full-time role starting April 2026, limited until December 2029.

Leistungen

Flexible working time models

Extensive advanced training opportunities

Support for work-life balance

Qualifikationen

• Excellent Ph.D. degree in Social/Cultural Anthropology or a neighbouring discipline.
• Proven experience with qualitative ethnographic research methods.
• Internationally relevant publication record.

Aufgaben

• Conduct ethnographic field studies on socio-economic impacts of renewable energies.
• Implement household surveys in Kenya.
• Publish and present research findings.

Kenntnisse

Ethnographic research methods

Excellent command of English

Communication skills

Ability to work independently

Ausbildung

Ph.D. in Social/Cultural Anthropology or a related field

Jobbeschreibung

Postdoctoral Reseracher Social and Cultural Anthropology Wiss2512-15 | University of Cologne, Global South Studies Center

University of Cologne has 6 Faculties covering a broad spectrum of disciplines & has developed internationally outstanding research profile areas o...

Postdoctoral Researcher Social and Cultural Anthropology (f/m/x)

We are one of the largest and oldest universities in Europe and one of the most important employers in our region. Our broad range of subjects, the dynamic development of our main research areas and our central location in Cologne make us attractive for students and researchers from around the world. We offer a wide range of career opportunities in science, technology, and administration.

The Collaborative Research Center CRC-TRR 228 “Future Rural Africa. Future-making and social-ecological transformation“ combines expertise from the University of Bonn and the University of Cologne to study newly emerging issues of social-ecological transformation and future-making in Africa.

Project Energy Futures invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Position in the field of Social and Cultural Anthropology.

YOUR TASKS

• Conducting ethnographic field studies on the socioeconomic impacts associated with the expansion of geothermal and/or other renewable energies in Kenya and beyond
• Support in the implementation of a household survey in Kenya
• Writing individual and collaborative project-related scholarly publications and presenting research findings at academic conferences
• Participation in and contribution to regular team meetings in Cologne and Bonn
• Supporting CRC-TRR 228 Ph.D. students and project management

YOUR PROFILE

• An excellent Ph.D. degree in Social/Cultural Anthroplogy or a neighbouring discipline
• An internationally relevant publication record
• Proven experience with (qualitative) ethnographic research methods
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Ability to travel and willingness to work independently in the tropics, including extended periods of fieldwork in urban and rural East Africa and other places
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Motivated to work empirically as well as conceptually as part of an interdisciplinary research team

WE OFFER

• Integration in the outstanding research environment of the Global South Studies Center (GSSC) at the University of Cologne
• A diverse working environment with equal opportunities
• Support in balancing work and family life
• Extensive advanced training opportunities
• Occupational health management offers
• Flexible working time models

The University of Cologne promotes equal opportunities and diversity. Women will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from all suitable candidates regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The position is available from 1st of April 2026 on a full-time basis (39,83 hours per week). It is limited for a fixed term until 31 December 2029. If the applicant meets the relevant wage requirements and personal qualifications, the salary is based on remuneration group 13 TV-L of the pay scale for the German public sector.

Please apply online with proof of the required qualifications without photo under: https://jobportal.uni-koeln.de. The reference number is Wiss2512-15. The application deadline is 18 January 2026.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Clemens Greiner ([e-mail]) and take a look at our FAQs.

Job details

Title

Postdoctoral Reseracher Social and Cultural Anthropology Wiss2512-15 | University of Cologne, Global South Studies Center

2026-01-18 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)
2026-01-18 23:59 (CET)