Research Associate for the Project “RP4: Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Pr[...]

Research Associate for the Project “RP4: Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Promise Norm and its Contested Meanings” in the DFG Research Unit 5870 “The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times” § 28 Subsection 3 HmbHG

InstitutionFaculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences

Start date01.04.2026, fixed until 31.03.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).

Scope of workpart-time

Weekly hours75 % of standard work hours per week

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications. They may also pursue doctoral studies outside of working duties.

The advertised position is part of a research project on “RP4: Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Promise Norm and its Contested Meanings” in the collaborative and interdisciplinary DFG Research Unit 5870 “The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times”. PROMISE investigates how democratic governments and societies struggle over priorities and limits of protection amid multiplying crises. PROMISE assesses and compares changes in democratic states’ practices of protection and theorizes the transformation of promises of security in what we conceptualize as “catastrophic times.” More details on the project can be found here .

We are seeking a highly motivated doctoral researcher to join “RP4 Conceived through Practice: Unearthing the Security Promise Norm and Its Contested Meanings”. The project retraces the emergence of the security promise retrospectively, paired by multi-sited ethnographic research on the ‘norm bundles’ of ‘climate change’ and ‘war’. The project asks what does the promise hold in light of today’s catastrophic times? This leading question is twofold: how has the security promise become a norm (historical emergence), and what does the norm hold in store for today’s global world (present substance)?

The successful candidate will

• conduct the project case study on the present substance of the security promise norm based on interviews within the UN’s institutional setting as well as UNFCCC Conferences of the Parties, conducting multi-sited ethnographic research on the ‘norm bundles’ of ‘climate change’ and ‘war’;
• work towards the completion of a PhD thesis on the topic of the Contested Meanings of the Security Promise Norm;
• play a crucial role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications; and
• present research findings at specialist conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats, where appropriate.

Your profile

A university degree in a relevant field.

• You hold an excellent Masters’ degree in the social sciences.
• You have a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, the advertised research field; initial academic publications are an advantage.
• Familiarity with, and initial experience of, qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic, or participatory research, is an advantage.
• You have excellent written and spoken English language skills. Good German language skills are an advantage but not a requirement.
• You are an excellent team player: Communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Use only the online application form to submit your application. Your application should consist of

• a cover letter detailing your research interests in the advertised field and your methods skills
• an academic CV,
• copies of degree certificate(s),
• and one writing sample.

Please compile all documents into one PDF file.

The interviews will take place in December 2025.