Research Assistant (m/w/d), Post-Doc, EG 13 TV-H, at the Department of Cultures of Sustainabili[...]

Universität Kassel; Kassel; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading German university is seeking a Research Assistant (m/f/d) for a part-time position focusing on evaluating sustainability processes. The role involves qualitative research, support for PhD candidates, and teaching contributions. Ideal applicants will have a doctorate and proven research expertise in sustainability. The position offers a collaborative environment with various benefits, including a company pension.

Leistungen

Company pension (VBL)

Child supplement

Annual bonus

Low-cost participation in university sports

Qualifikationen

• Completed doctorate in sustainability or related disciplines required by start date.
• Proven expertise in qualitative research methods and analysis.
• Strong record of research publications in sustainability.

Aufgaben

• Conduct evaluation of transdisciplinary processes in various case studies.
• Support PhD candidates and contribute to capacity-building.
• Assist with teaching and educational programs.

Kenntnisse

Qualitative research methods

Communication skills in English

Research and scientific publications related to sustainability

Ausbildung

Doctorate in sustainability sciences or related fields

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

The University of Kassel invites applications for a Research Assistant (m/f/d), Post-Doc, EG 13 TV-H, fixed term-position, part-time (currently 32 hours per week) in the Faculty of Humanities and Cultural Studies, Department of Cultures of Sustainability and in the Kassel Institute for Sustainability (Prof. Dr. Andra-Ioana Horcea-Milcu). The post is part of the project LEVER: “Our sustainabLe futurE, the ValuEs that dRive it, and how to get there” and is led by Andra Milcu. The post focuses on the evaluation of transdisciplinary processes for sustainability transformations. Date of hire: 01.04.2026. Application deadline: 31.12.2025. Vacancy number: 38777. The position is limited to 24 months (with a possibility for extension) as part of the LEVER project and 80 percent of a full-time working week.

Location: Kassel Institute for Sustainability, a new interdisciplinary center addressing human-environment interactions, just transitions, cultures of sustainability, and sustainable technology design, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key responsibilities

• Conduct the (qualitative) evaluation of transdisciplinary transformative processes in three case studies located in the Republic of Moldova, Romania, and Germany. The evaluation will focus on disentangling the impact of values-based interventions integrated into each case study process.
• Provide methodological and academic support to PhD candidates within the LEVER project, contributing to capacity-building and collaborative research development.
• Support the research activities of the Cultures of Sustainability Unit.
• Assist in the development and delivery of teaching and educational programs.
• Contribute to the growth and strategic development of the Kassel Institute for Sustainability.

Required qualifications

• 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. All required qualifications must be fulfilled by the start date of the position.
• Proven expertise in qualitative research methods and analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• A strong record of research and scientific publications relevant to sustainability and transformation studies.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience working with ideal-typical transdisciplinary case studies, real world labs, and impact evaluation of new modes of knowledge production.
• Familiarity with place-based and/or international sustainability transformation initiatives.
• Willingness and ability to work in an international, transdisciplinary research team that integrates both Mode 1 and Mode 2 knowledge production.

Application process

Please submit your application in English only and include the following documents as a single merged PDF file:

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 1–2 pages), including a list of publications
• Letter of application (maximum 1–2 pages), outlining: 1) your academic background in relation to the required qualifications 2) your research interests 3) your motivation for applying for this position
• Supporting documents for required qualifications

The successful applicant will be supported to further develop academic qualifications. For all positions and general information, please email andra.milcu(at)uni-kassel.de. In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our offer

• As an employee of the University of Kassel, you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• the workplace has good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as: an additional company pension (VBL), an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies), an annual bonus, an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits, a promotion of voluntary commitment, low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, and workplace health management.

Data protection and application information

Please note: The protection of your personal information is important. By your application, you allow us to store and use data in accordance with the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process can be found at www.uni-kassel.de/go/ausschreibung-datenschutz. FAQ about applying can be found at https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot.

Other information

The University of Kassel is committed to family-friendly policies and equal opportunity. Women are especially encouraged to apply. The university supports the Family Welcome Service and the Dual Career Service. Full-time positions are generally divisible. Applications should indicate the position number and be sent to the President of the University of Kassel. For postal applications, please submit only copies of documents; originals will not be returned. All documents will be destroyed after the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.