The Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities announces the availability of
1 Research Associate / PhD candidate (f/m/d) position
in the interdisciplinary research project:
"In the Age of the Polycrisis:
How complex crises emerge and how we can confront them"
The research project is led by Dr. Gordon M. Friedrichs (Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law, Heidelberg) and Dr. Natalie Rauscher (Heidelberg Center for American Studies). The positions starts as soon as possible and is limited to end of March 2027 (with possible extension of one year pending funding decisions).
Project description:
Funded by the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the state of Baden-Württemberg, the research project addresses the largely unexplored phenomenon of polycrises, characterized by a system of parallel, overlapping, and connected crises on a global scale. The project and doctoral dissertations will investigate the interplay of complex crises and strategies for reducing their complexity. The research endeavors to conceptualize the emergence, development, and progression of polycrises.
The dissertation project will focus on the impact of these crises on public and political discourses, crisis communication, and societal polarization within the USA. The hired candidate’s project should include a focus on vulnerability to disaster in the US context or in comparative perspective, with a special regard towards the impact of climate change and recurring natural disasters. The overall interdisciplinary project integrates theories and methods from International Relations and American Studies, including complexity theory and quantitative and qualitative methods for discourse analysis.
The research project is part of the ninth sub-program of the WIN-Kolleg “Complexity reduction”.
Responsibilities:
- Conducting independent research in the project leading towards the completion of the dissertation in the given timeframe.
- Supporting the collaborative process of addressing the project's research questions.
- Conducting data collection from primary and secondary sources.
- Coordinating and cooperating with student research assistants.
- Conducting qualitative case studies.
- Co-authoring project publications and co-organization of project-related workshops.
Requirements:
- Completed MA degree in a relevant discipline preferably in American Studies with a focus on political science, history or other social sciences, or related fields with a strong focus on the US-American context (other related degrees are welcome to apply) with exceptional grades.
Successful applicants are expected to be doctoral candidates at either the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Philosophy, depending on their academic background.
- Expertise and interest in theory-driven empirical research and proficient skills in qualitative methods. Experience with quantitative methods and interdisciplinary research is an asset.
- Fluency in English.
- Teamwork skills and a demonstrable interest in the research project.
- Commitment to writing a PhD thesis during the three-year contract.
Benefits:
- Funding until March 2027 with the possibility of a one-year extension, contingent on project funding. Salaries are predicated on the German public sector remuneration system (TV-L 13, 50%).
- Additional funding for (international) research trips, conferences and student assistants is available.
- Participation in a stimulating interdisciplinary and international research environment at the WIN-Kolleg of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
- Opportunities for professional networking and training at the Heidelberg University’s Graduate Academy and within the Political Science and American Studies Departments.
- Inclusion in collaborative networks with European and North American scholars.
- Individualized mentoring to support academic and professional development.
Prospective applicants are required to submit a single PDF file containing a brief letter of motivation, a CV, a list of obtained degrees/grades, copies of degrees, and a 3000-word proposal outlining the planned PhD project. Applications should be sent to Dr. Gordon M. Friedrichs (friedrichs@mpil.de) and Dr. Natalie Rauscher (nrauscher@hca.uni-heidelberg.de) by May 3rd, 2024.
Questions about the position can be directed to both project leaders.
The Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities is dedicated to equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified.