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.

Within the framework of the SFB Transregio 294 ‘Structural Change of Property’ of the Universities of Jena and Erfurt, a position is available at the University of Jena at the Institute of Political Science in the sub-project ‘Wildlife as a commodity and more-than-human property: on the model of environmental stewardship in Namibia’ as of 01.04.2025 as a

PhD Student

to be filled part-time (65% / 26 hours per week) for a limited period until 31.12.2028.

The selected PhD student will participate in the named research project led by PD Dr. Petra Gümplová. S/he will contribute significantly to the research in the areas of biodiversity conservation, wildlife protection, the commons and property rights (including animal rights), and global and social justice of nature conservation policies in the context of social-ecological transformation in the Global South (Africa).

Your responsibilities:

• the realization and collaboration in the project (research, field work, interviews, research reports, publications, workshop organization, conferences)
• independent work on a dissertation (preferably in English, possibly cumulative) in the following thematic areas: biodiversity (wildlife), global and social justice, local commons, nature conservation and development policy, environmental ethics and human-animal relations, with a regional focus on Africa (Namibia)
• involvement in research tasks, committees and organization of the interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre as well as in the preparation and implementation of its events

Your profile:

• above-average MA degree in social sciences, political geography, political science or related subjects/studies proven skills in the realization, implementation, and organization of research projects
• knowledge and research interests in the following areas: biodiversity conservation, wildlife conservation, environmental ethics and political ecology, global and social justice, development policy, commons, property theories and property rights
• experience with the application of and interest in qualitative methods - field work (interviews, participant observation), grounded theory, situation analysis
• experience abroad is an advantage, especially research experience in or in relation to Africa
• excellent knowledge of English and willingness to communicate with the project manager in English and the ability to write the dissertation in English
• independent working style and high motivation for academic work and career
• interest in establishing and shaping an international and interdisciplinary research center

We offer:

• Remuneration based on the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector of the Federal States (TV-L) at salary scale 13 — depending on the candidate’s personal qualifications—, including a special annual payment in accordance with the collective agreement and 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
• excellent and interdisciplinary research at the interface of the following disciplines: political science, sociology, environmental ethics, conservation policy and an exciting research context within the framework of the Collaborative Research Centre “Structural Change of Property” and the institutes and international networks involved in it
• the opportunity to realize an intensively supervised doctoral project based on the results of the research project
• interesting and varied work in a large research centre, participation in international conferences, field research in Africa
• a comprehensive education, training programs, and individual development and qualification measures, including a graduate academy for doctoral students and postdocs

Further information on the SFB can be found on the following page: https://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 15.02.2025 using our online form.