Postdoctoral Researcher

Job advertisement

Vacancy ID: 219/2026

Closing date: 2026-09-11

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Junior Research Team (JRT) “Property structures in the Hydrogen Economy in South America” in the Collaborative Research Centre “Structural Change of Property” seeks to fill the position of a

Postdoctoral Researcher

We offer a full position (100% of a full-time job, paid in accordance to the collective agreement TV-L 13) offered as a fixed-term position until 31th of December 2028.

The project 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. The newly employed Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to co-lead the Junior Research Team.

Your responsibilities:

Scientific and administrative leadership of the Junior Research Team

Substantial contribution to the analysis and reporting of a qualitative study on ownership structures in the hydrogen economy in South America, with a focus on Argentina

Realization of expert interviews, participant observations and other data collection in South America

Lead elaboration of several peer-reviewed articles on Argentina and Chile, in collaboration with other members of JRT on Chile and Argentina

Participation in a transnational research network on just supply chains for lithium and hydrogen (TraSAs)

Independently planning and conducting workshops and research workshops in collaboration with TraSA partners and partners from the SFB

Participation in the research tasks, committees and organization of the interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre as well as the organization and realization of its events

Teaching (4 LVS per semester) at the Institute of Sociology

Your profile:

Successfully completed Masters degree in Sociology or related disciplines

Successfully completed PhD on socio-ecological conflicts, policies of energy transition or infrastructure projects in Latin America (with a focus on sociology or related disciplines)

Knowledge in one or more of the following areas is an advantage: Political ecology, political economy, Research on Resources, energy transition and extractivism, Research on Property Relations, Latin American Studies

Fluency in Spanish to independently conduct research in South America and fluency in English as many events and debates of the SFB take place in English, basic German skills

Experience with qualitative research

Experience abroad is an advantage, especially research experience in South America

Experience in leading research projects

communication and teamwor