Research Associate (f_m_x) MiningImpact 3

Helmholtz Centre Potsdam; Potsdam; Hybrid; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Potsdam is looking for a motivated researcher in marine governance. The role involves conducting independent research, collaborating in international projects, and presenting findings. Ideal candidates have a Master’s degree and strong communication skills, with fluency in English and desirable German language skills. The position offers dynamic tasks in an international environment, with flexible working hours and extensive training opportunities.

Leistungen

Extensive training opportunities

Flexible working hours

Public service benefits

Qualifikationen

• A Master’s degree in marine or environmental governance, environmental management, law, social sciences, or a related field.
• Solid knowledge of international marine governance theory and practice.
• Experience in inter- and transdisciplinary research and governance analysis.
• Fluency in English; German language skills advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Conduct independent scientific research in marine governance.
• Plan and organize research work and maintain contacts with national and international partners.
• Present results to decision-makers and the scientific community.

Kenntnisse

Teamwork

Communication skills

Self-organisation

Qualitative research methods

Policy analysis

Governance analysis

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in marine or environmental governance

Jobbeschreibung

Reference Number

11046

As part of the BMFTR-funded project "Ecosystem-Based Management of Deep-Sea Mining" and the JPI-Oceans consortium MiningImpact3, we are seeking a motivated researcher with expertise in marine governance and transdisciplinary social-ecological research.

MiningImpact3 analyzes the potential impacts of deep-sea mining on marine ecosystems and develops the scientific basis for a sustainable governance and management of deep-sea mining. The RIFS at GFZ investigates how an ecosystem-based management (EBM) approach can be implemented within the international regime of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). The aim is to develop effective governance and management approaches for EBM and adaptive management in deep-sea mining in the context of the ISA, to understand and assess possible implications, and to formulate practical recommendations for implementation engaging with partners, experts, and stakeholders.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct independent scientific and transdisciplinary research, including policy and governance analyses and employing qualitative, co-creative methods (e.g., expert interviews and dialogue workshops).
• Plan, organise, and conduct the research work, including developing a theory- and method-driven analytical framework and research plan in accordance with the research proposals approved by the BMFTR and JPI Oceans.
• Collaborate with partners in the JPI Oceans project consortium and establish and maintain contacts at the national and international level.
• Support the project leadership in administrative and organisational tasks (e.g., meeting scheduling, budget monitoring, reporting).
• Present and disseminate the results both towards decision-makers (policy briefs, side events) and the scientific community (academic publications, presentations, reports).
• Participate actively in the Ocean Governance research group at RIFS.

You will work closely with Dr Barbara Neumann, the project leader at RIFS and co-leader of work package 3 on "Governance and Management Tools" within MiningImpact3, and contribute to other work packages and tasks of the JPI Oceans project. At the same time, you will have the freedom to introduce your own research ideas and further develop your expertise in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

Your qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in marine or environmental governance, environmental management, law, social sciences, or a related field; a PhD is not strictly necessary.
• Solid knowledge of international marine governance theory and practice; in-depth familiarity with deep-sea mining and ecosystem-based management is an advantage.
• Experience in inter- and transdisciplinary research, confident handling of qualitative research methods, and expertise in policy and governance analysis.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, a high degree of self‑organisation, and the ability to work independently in an interdisciplinary setting.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); German language skills are desirable for reporting to the BMBF.
• Willingness to travel domestically within Germany as well as internationally (European and non‑European destinations).

What we offer:

• Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment.
• State-of-the-art equipment.
• Public service benefits.
• Extensive training opportunities.
• Professional career advice offered by our in‑house Career‑Centre.
• Flexible working hours and conditions.
• Support with finding a good work‑life balance offered by benefit@work.
• Attractive workplace at RIFS in Potsdam (Berliner Str. 130).

Start date: 1st June 2026
Fixed-term: 26 months
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to "TV öD Bund (Tarifgebiet Ost)". The salary group is determined on the basis of the Collective Wage Agreement and the respective personal qualifications.
Working hours: Full-time (currently 39 h/week). The position is generally suitable for part-time work (a minimum of 32 h/week).
Place of work: Potsdam

Have we piqued your interest?

If so, we look forward to receiving your conclusive application by 9th February 2026.

Required documents: CV, letter of motivation, certificates/grades, a writing sample

Desirable documents: references

Please use our online application form only.

Note: Interviews are scheduled for the week of 23rd – 27th February 2026.

Diversity and equal opportunities are integral components of our human resources policy. The RIFS actively promotes diversity and explicitly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of ethnic and social origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation and identity, religion/belief, age and physical characteristics. Anyone who has been recognized as severely disabled, will be given preferential consideration in the event of equal suitability and qualification in accordance with the provisions of the German Social Code IX. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer.

"Diversity in perspectives" is a high value for us. As an integral part of supporting diversity at our centre, we actively promote women in science and in leadership positions. We among others do this through our gender equality plan and the cascade model measures which we actively implement to enable sustainable equal opportunities in academic career paths. We are therefore committedly strives for gender equality in science, including in leadership positions, and strongly encourages women to apply.

Your personal data will be processed for the purpose of conducting the selection procedure on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 b, Art. 88 GDPR in conjunction with Art. 26 of the Data Protection Act for the State of Brandenburg. After completion of the procedure, application documents will be deleted in compliance with data protection regulations.
In case of any further queries relating to the field of activity, please contact Dr. Barbara Neumann either via email or phone +49 (0)331‑6264‑22385. If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331‑6264‑28787.