The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) conducts research with the aim of investigating, identifying, and advancing development pathways for transformation processes towards sustainability in Germany and abroad. The institute was founded in 2009 as the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies (IASS) and has been affiliated with the Helmholtz Centre Potsdam - GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences under its new name since the 1st of January 2023 and is thus part of the Helmholtz Association.
The RIFS is looking for a:
Research Associate (f_m_x) in Geopolitics of Energy Transformation: Sustainability Governance in the Hydrogen Sector
Reference Number 9290
The research group Geopolitics of Energy and Industrial Transformation at RIFS is looking for a researcher to work in our research project on the Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Sustainability Governance in the Hydrogen Sector, funded by the Federal Foreign Office.
The project will be analyzing the international sustainability governance landscape in the hydrogen sector, its strengths and weaknesses and its implications for the development of international supply chains and broader foreign policy goals. The research project will include field research in Africa or Latin America. The project also places a strong emphasis on dialogue and engagement with national and international stakeholders in the sector. The research findings will be converted into actionable policy implications and will feed directly into the work of the Federal Foreign Office.
The project will run from 01.04.2024 - 31.12.2025.
The research associate will lead the research project under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Rainer Quitzow and will be supported by a student research assistant.
Your responsibilities:
- Overall project management and implementation
- Conceptualization and preparation of deliverables
- Research and analysis of sustainablity governance and certifcation in the international hydrogen sector and its geopolitical implications
- Field research and dialogue with stakeholders in Africa or Latin America
- Publication of research results in high-impact academic and policy-oriented outlets
- Conceptualization and implementation of expert workshops
- Engagement with experts and stakeholders to translate research findings into actional policy implications
- Development of a network of experts
- Attending international hydrogen-related conferences and events
- Contracting experts for short studies and inputs
- Regular engagement with the Federal Foreign Office
Your qualifications:
- Master-level degree in social sciences/economics
- Strong knowledge and interest in the global energy transition, preferably with expertise on hydrogen
- Excellent English communication and writing skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Ability to work both independently and in a team setting
- Experience with the application of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods
- Experience in the publication of academic and/or policy-oriented texts
- Willingness to work independently and in interdisciplinary teams within a high-paced environment
- Knowledge of German is a plus
- Knowledge of Spanish, Portuguese, French, Arabic or another language spoken in Africa is a plus
- Work experience in research or policy with a focus on climate and energy is a plus
- Regional experience in Africa or Latin America is a plus
What we offer:
- Ambitious and varied tasks in a dynamic and international research environment
- Work in a high-paced, interdisciplinary and international team
- Opportunity to develop skills in leading and managing projects
- Access to a strong international network
- 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
Start date: 1st July 2024
Fixed-term: 31st December 2025
Salary: The position is classed as salary group 13 according to “TVöD 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 hours/week); the position is generally suitable for part-time work.
Place of work: Potsdam
Are you interested?
If so, we look forward to receiving your application by 12th May 2024. Please use our online application form only.
- 1 page cover letter
- CV
- Transcript of academic record
- Letter of recommendation from your latest employer
- Writing sample (single author only)
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. If you have any questions, please contact our representative for the severely disabled at sbv@gfz-potsdam.de, who will be happy to assist you in the further application process. In case of further queries regarding gender equality, please do not hesitate to contact our Equal Opportunities Officer at gba@gfz-potsdam.de.
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.
For questions on the content of the project or the position, please contact Prof. Dr. Rainer Quitzow (rainer.quitzow@rifs-potsdam.de). If you have any general questions about the application process, please contact our recruiting team at our phone number +49 (0) 331-6264-28787.
