Researcher, BioCAM4 – The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is one of the world’s leading research institutions and think tanks for global sustainable development. It contributes, through research, policy advice and training, to finding answers to global questions affecting our future.

We offer an excellent and support-intensive research environment in the field of development policy with regular research workshops with internationally recognized scientists, international conferences, and the opportunity to participate in research stays abroad.

IDOS Research Programme “Environmental Governance“ is looking for a

• Researcher / PhD Candidate (m/f/diverse)
• Position No. 2024-C-02
• Part time 70%, 27,3 hours/week,
• German public sector tariff, EG13 TVöD Bund according to qualifications
• 40.800  – 58.500 Euro gross (70%)

The position may be filled as of 1 November 2024 and is limited to three years.

The researcher/PhD candidate will contribute to the international consortium project “BioCAM4 – Biodiversity Integration in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Actions for Planet, People, and Human Health” co-funded by DFG. BioCAM4 analyses the potential and impacts of Nature-based Climate Actions (NBCA), which are collaborative commitments that integrate biodiversity ambition within climate adaptation and mitigation actions for planet, people, and human health. It develops methodologies for mapping NBCA worldwide and for identifying local opportunities and challenges, particularly in biodiversity hot-spots across East Africa and Central America. The researcher will and contribute to the mapping of the global and regional governance landscapes of NBCA, the development of methodologies to gauge the influence and impacts of NBCA, and the analysis of distribution and performance patterns of NBCA. There will also be the opportunity to contribute to the project’s case studies. He/she will closely collaborate with Dr. Sander Chan at Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands) and Prof. Dr. Idil Boran at York University (Toronto, Canada).

We invite candidates who aspire to combine professional experience with a PhD. The doctorate is envisaged at Leuphana University (Lüneburg) under the supervision of Prof. Dr Ines Dombrowsky and the co-supervision of Dr. Sander Chan and Prof. Dr. Jens Newig. The successful candidate will work 70% at the IDOS as part of BioCAM4.The preparation of the dissertation is beyond your official tasks and requires efforts beyond official working hours. Hence, the dissertation topic should coincide/overlap methodologically and substantively with responsibilities under the BioCAM4 project at IDOS.

Qualifications and requirements:

• a Master with very good grades in one of the following areas: social sciences (e.g. international relations, political science, economics, human geography) with an interest in environmental governance; environmental/sustainability studies with strong social science training;
• Proven knowledge and experience in research in at least one of the following fields: climate, biodiversity, transnational and/or environmental governance; experience in, or affinity with, nature-based solutions and spatial analyses are assets;
• Proven knowledge in, and experience, with quantitative research and statistical analysis is required,  incl. knowledge of R, Python, or similar language or programme; experience with GIS is a strong asset; experience with mixed-methodology research designs is an asset;
• Ability and interest in coding for NBCA database development and in managing it;
• Research or work experience in developing countries is a strong asset;
• Strong motivation and commitment towards pursuing a PhD;
• Eagerness to work in a global inter- and transdisciplinary team;
• Good and proven communication and organizational skills;
• Fluent written and spoken English; good command of German, Spanish or French are assets;
• Willingness and aptness to travel abroad, including countries with a tropical climate („Tropentauglichkeit“).

We offer:

• Flexible working hours with a weekly working time of 70%, 27,3 hours/week;
• Possibility of mobile working (“Homeoffice”) up to 60% per week;
• Participation in research projects in the subject area “Environmental Governance” in a very experienced research team;
• Possibility to use a subsidized Deutschland-Job-Ticket for only €23.28/month and good access to public transportation;
• Special annual payment in accordance with TVöD Bund;
• Up to 30 days annual vacation plus 6 days company vacation;
• Trainings for further professional development;
• Company pension scheme with the VBLU;
• Many more social and monetary benefits.

The IDOS offers an inspiring, family-friendly working environment at the interface of research and policy advice, with ample opportunities to engage in international discussions, political processes and scientific debates.

In the case of equal qualification, physically challenged persons will be given preference. We want to promote the diversity of our employees and would like applications from women, men and diverse people.

For further questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Ines Dombrowsky.

Applications with the position number2024-C-02 with detailed documents (cover letter, curriculum vitae, relevant certificates) must be submitted exclusively via application portal by 28 July 2024. The expected date for interviews will be in the first week of September. By applying for this position and submitting the data in the IDOS applicant portal, the applicant agrees that the documents will be shared with specific persons at Leuphana and Radboud Universities who are envisaged to be involved in the supervision.

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