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

Uni Muenster; Münster; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Family/flexible support services

Public servant benefits (TV-L)

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Münster invites applications for a Research Associate in the Professorship of International Relations and Law with a Focus on Global Sustainability. The 65% fixed‑term position runs for three years from 1 April 2027 and includes teaching obligations for full‑time staff.

You will develop a project on sustainability governance of global commodity chains (coffee), publish in peer‑reviewed journals, present at workshops, and contribute to policy design while participating in

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in political science or related field.
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Expertise in sustainability governance, coffee sector focus.
• Experience with surveys/interviews in Global South.
• Proficiency in English; Spanish and/or Portuguese.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and complete a project on sustainability governance of global commodity chains focusing on coffee.
• Publish research articles in leading peer‑reviewed international journals.
• Present findings at academic workshops and conferences.
• Contribute to policy design and dissemination of research.
• Contribute to teaching within the Institute of Political Science.

Skills

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Sustainability governance

Coffee sector

Education

Master's degree in political science

Related discipline (economics or sociology)

Tools

Statistical software

Qualitative analysis software

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 Institute of Political Science at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a

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

within the Professorship of International Relations and Law with a Focus on Global Sustainability (Prof. Dr. Thomas Dietz).

Commencing on 1 April 2027, we are offering a fixed‑term part‑time position (65%) for three years, with the possibility of extension. Full‑time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• Development, implementation and completion of a project on the sustainability governance of global commodity chains, with a particular focus on the coffee sector
• Publication of research articles in leading peer‑reviewed international journals
• Presentation of research findings at academic workshops and conferences
• Active participation in the development and dissemination of research with the aim of contributing to policy design
• Contribution to teaching within the Institute of Political Science

Our expectations:

Essential

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in political science or a related discipline, such as economics or sociology.
• Demonstrable knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, particularly (quasi‑)experimental methods, and international standards of good scientific practice
• Demonstrable expertise in the field of sustainability governance, with a particular focus on the coffee sector.
• Experience in conducting surveys and interviews in countries of the Global South, particularly with smallholder producers
• Excellent written and spoken English, as well as proficiency in Spanish and/or Portuguese

Desirable

• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, both in person and virtually
• Experience in conducting research in South America
• Demonstrable experience with relevant software for quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis

Advantages for you:

• A dynamic, international, interdisciplinary and multilingual research environment in the field of sustainability governance
• Excellent networks of national and international research partners, opportunities to develop your own academic networks, and support for your individual career development
• 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.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering occupational training and continuing education opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our sport and health programmes ensure a healthy work‑life balance.
• 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.

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.