Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 17.000 students and more than 10.000 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

In the DFG funded Collaborative Research Centre/Transregio (SFB) 294 "Structural Change of Property", a cooperation between the Universities of Jena und Erfurt, we seek to fill the position of a

PhD student

in the subproject “Property structures in the Hydrogen Economy in South America”, located at the University of Jena, Institute for Sociology, at the earliest possible date.

We offer a part-time position (65% of a full-time job, paid in accordance to the collective agreement TV-L 13) offered as a fix-term position until 31th of December 2028.

The subproject under the direction of PD Dr. Anne Tittor (Institute of Sociology, University of Jena) investigates conflicts over land (use) related to the development of hydrogen value chains in Chile and Argentina in the course of decarbonization. The aim is to contribute to the overarching research question based on the cases studied, to what extent decarbonization policies of the Global North (re-)configure property regimes and socio-ecological inequalities in the Global South.

Your responsibilities:

• Conduct your own qualitative study on property relations in the hydrogen economy in South America with a focus on Chile
• Extensive literature research in preparation for the empirical research work
• Realization of expert interviews, participant observations and other data collection in South America
• Documentation, processing and evaluation of qualitative data
• Working on your own scientific doctoral project
• Collaboration in the preparation of research reports and scientific publications
• Participation in a transnational research network on just supply chains for lithium and hydrogen
• Participation in the research tasks, committees and organization of the interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre as well as the preparation and realization of its events

Your profile:

• Successfully completed master's degree (with a focus on sociology or related disciplines)
• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas is an advantage: Political ecology, political economy, environmental and sustainability sociology, extractivism/socio-ecological conflicts and Latin American studies
• Very good knowledge of Spanish, which enables the independent conduct of research in South America and a very good knowledge of English, as many events and debates of the SFB take place in English
• Experience with qualitative research
• Experience abroad is an advantage, especially research experience in South America
• Communication and teamwork skills
• An independent and structured way of working
• Interest in participating in an interdisciplinary research context

We offer:

• The opportunity to realize an intensively supervised doctoral project based on the results of the research project
• An exciting and varied activity in a collegial project context
• Collaboration in a research project that is located at the interface of sociological property research and environmental and sustainability research in the Global South as well as embedded in an interdisciplinary network
• The SFB and the University of Jena offer a pleasant working environment with many opportunities for further scientific qualification and training
• A family-friendly working environment and the opportunity to work mainly from home (if desired)
• Remuneration according to the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) according to pay group 13 including a special annual payment and 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

This position is a fixed term position until 31.12.2028. It is a part-time position at a rate of 65 % (26 hours per week).

Further information on the SFB can be found on the following page: https://www.sfb294-eigentum.de/de/

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 26.02.2025 using our online form.