1 Researcher/Senior Researcher (m/f/d) for the “Research and Transfer Project Arms Control and Emerging Technologies/sientific – Phase II"

About

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) is seeking, as soon as possible and subject to the availability of funds 

1 Researcher/Senior Researcher (m/f/d) for the “Research and Transfer Project Arms Control and Emerging Technologies – Phase II" at IFSH full-time (100 %, up to 4 years). The salary group corresponds to either EG 13 or EG14 TV-AVH. The position is based in Hamburg. The term of office ends, the latest, on 31 December 2026.

The IFSH is an interdisciplinary research institution based at the University of Hamburg and is funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The research activities of the IFSH centre on the analysis of current peace and security developments as well as challenges with a focus on the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian areas. The transfer of knowledge from research into politics and society is a fundamental component of the Institute's work.

The research and transfer project "Arms Control and Emerging Technologies – Phase II" conducts interdisciplinary research and policy-relevant work and aims to strengthen international arms control mechanisms and disarmament efforts in a time of crisis of multilateralism. The project is implemented with the financial support of the German Federal Foreign Office and continues successful work from the first project phase (2019-2022), which made IFSH a leading international hub on these topics.

The advertised position is part of a new natural science module within the project. The module intends to strengthen scientific peace research in Germany. Research within the module will deal with escalation dynamics caused by the development of fast kinetic weapon systems (missiles, hypersonic vehicles, artillery), including, for example, detection capabilities, potential defensive systems and the discrimination between nuclear and conventional payloads. It will further undertake a renewed look at the effects of potential use of nuclear weapons on the European continent, for example by studying environmental, climatic, humanitarian or economic effects. Lastly, the module undertakes the development of innovative ways for the verification of the absence of nuclear weapons.

We are looking for ambitious researchers who enjoy working in a dynamic, young and interdisciplinary environment at the intersection of cutting-edge research and policy advice.

Your tasks

·         You actively contribute to research and policy advice in the field of emerging technologies, arms control and disarmament in a European context. 

·         You conduct research with a natural science focus on either one of the two fields: escalation dynamics of fast weapon systems (missiles, hypersonic vehicles, artillery) or the regional effects of nuclear warfare.

·         You publish your research results in peer-reviewed international publications and on relevant policy platforms.

·         You disseminate your research results through transfer activities (public events, conferences, media contacts) vis-à-vis national, international and transnational actors.

·         You help expanding the field of scientific peace research in Germany, potentially through additional funding acquisition.

Your profile

·         You have a university degree in the natural sciences, computer science or engineering or another degree relevant to the position. Your doctorate in a relevant field has been completed or is in the final stages. Alternatively, you have several years of comparable research experience.

·         Your academic excellence is proven by a record of peer-reviewed publications on technical issues relevant to the position in a wider sense.

·         You have a strong interest in technical and policy research to advance national and international policies for a safer and more peaceful world. 

·         Proven expertise in the fields of disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related delivery systems is a plus.

·         You have initial experience with funding acquisition, development and implementation of academic research projects as well as policy consultancy projects. 

·         Experience in international research cooperation is preferred. 

·         You have an excellent command of written and spoken English. German, or the willingness to learn the language, is an asset.

·         You have excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team; you are self-motivated and well-organised.

Your application

The IFSH has set itself the goal of promoting the careers of women and is therefore, particularly interested in applications from women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are given priority in these areas in accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, provided they have equivalent qualifications. Severely disabled persons are also expressly invited to apply. We also encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

Your application in the context of the advertised position should consist of a cover letter, a research plan (1-2 pages) within the context of the advertised position, a current CV and publication list. Please send all documents exclusively electronically to bewerbung@ifsh.de by 20 January 2023 (please send them as one single PDF file of maximum 8 MB in size).

For further information, please contact Dr. Moritz Kütt (kuett@ifsh.de).

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