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Research Associate (m/f/d) for the Project “Protection Mainstreaming through Valuation Practices” in the DFG Research Unit 5870 “The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times”

Temporary, Part-time · Hamburg
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Join IFSH!
The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) is one of the leading peace research institutes in Germany. An international team of researchers from various disciplines conducts research at the IFSH on the conditions for peace and security in Europe and beyond. A fundamental part of the institute's work is the exchange of knowledge with politics and society. 

IFSH is seeking a doctoral researcher (m/f/d) for the research project RP3 Protection Mainstreaming through Valuation Practices in the collaborative and interdisciplinary DFG Research Unit 5870 The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times, starting on 1 April 2026 or  as soon as possible after that date. The position is part-time (75%). The salary group corresponds to EG13 TV-AVH. The position is based in Hamburg. The term of office ends on 31. March 2030 . 

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 (m/f/d) to join RP3 Protection Mainstreaming through Valuation Practices. The project examines the norms and practices of prioritisation in the United Nations' humanitarian sector and the objects and infrastructures used to inform choices about deserves to be protected – and who does not.
Your mission
  • conduct project-related research and generate qualitative data through document analysis, interviews and fieldwork on the project’s three sites (UN institutions, capacity-building programmes, and humanitarian field operations). 
  • work towards the completion of a PhD thesis on a topic related to the project.
  • play a crucial role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications.
  • present research findings at specialist conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats, where appropriate.
Your profile
  • You hold a very good Master's degree in the social sciences: in political science, International Relations, sociology, peace and conflict studies, security studies, humanitarian studies or related fields. 
  • You have a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, fields such as humanitarian action, humanitarian protection, the United Nations, international organizations, international practice theory, or international political sociology; initial academic publications are an advantage.
  • Familiarity with, and initial experience of, qualitative and interpretive research methods, including interviews, document analysis, ethnographic and 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
In addition to an exciting field of work in a dynamic and highly relevant research environment, you can expect the following additional benefits with us:
  • A company pension scheme based on the Hamburg pension model
  • Individual training opportunities as part of our IFSH staff development program
  • Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work up to 60% from home, depending on your personal situation and job context
  • Additional incentive pay based on our collective agreement (TV AVH) in the form of a tax-free non-cash benefit card
Further information
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. We also strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

Your application should consist of a cover letter detailing your research interests in the advertised field and your initial ideas for a PhD topic, an academic CV, copies of degree certificate(s), and one writing sample. Please apply via our career portal (ifsh/institute/vacancies). We encourage you to use the DFG template for your CV. You can find it, including some explanations, here: dfg.de/en/.

The application deadline is 14 November 2025.

The interviews will take place in December 2025.
Contact person for your application
For more information, please contact Dr. Holger Niemann (https://ifsh/niemann).
Apply for this job
Join IFSH!

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) is one of the leading peace research institutes in Germany. An international team of researchers from various disciplines conducts research at the IFSH on the conditions for peace and security in Europe and beyond. A fundamental part of the institute's work is the exchange of knowledge with politics and society.
 
IFSH is seeking a doctoral researcher (m/f/d) for the research project RP3 Protection Mainstreaming through Valuation Practices in the collaborative and interdisciplinary DFG Research Unit 5870 The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times, starting on 1 April 2026 or  as soon as possible after that date. The position is part-time (75%). The salary group corresponds to EG13 TV-AVH. The position is based in Hamburg. The term of office ends on 31. March 2030 .

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 (m/f/d) to join RP3 Protection Mainstreaming through Valuation Practices. The project examines the norms and practices of prioritisation in the United Nations' humanitarian sector and the objects and infrastructures used to inform choices about who deserves to be protected – and who does not.

Ihre Aufgaben
  • conduct project-related research and generate qualitative data through document analysis, interviews and fieldwork on the project’s three sites (UN institutions, capacity-building programmes, and humanitarian field operations). 
  • work towards the completion of a PhD thesis on a topic related to the project.
  • play a crucial role in contributing to and implementing project activities, including workshops, colloquia, and joint publications.
  • present research findings at specialist conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals, as well as in relevant policy formats, where appropriate.
Ihr Profil
  • You hold a very good Master's degree in the social sciences: in political science, International Relations, sociology, peace and conflict studies, security studies, humanitarian studies or related fields. 
  • You have a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of, fields such as humanitarian action, humanitarian protection, the United Nations, international organizations, international practice theory, or international political sociology; initial academic publications are an advantage.
  • Familiarity with, and initial experience of, qualitative and interpretive research methods, including interviews, document analysis, ethnographic and 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.
Wir bieten
In addition to an exciting field of work in a dynamic and highly relevant research environment, you can expect the following additional benefits with us:
  • A company pension scheme based on the Hamburg pension model
  • Individual training opportunities as part of our IFSH staff development program
  • Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work up to 60% from home, depending on your personal situation and job context
  • Additional incentive pay based on our collective agreement (TV AVH) in the form of a tax-free non-cash benefit card
Weitere Informationen
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. We also strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

Your application should consist of a cover letter detailing your research interests in the advertised field and your initial ideas for a PhD topic, an academic CV, copies of degree certificate(s), and one writing sample. Please apply via our career portal (ifsh/institute/vacancies). We encourage you to use the DFG template for your CV. You can find it, including some explanations, here: dfg.de/en/.

The application deadline is 14 November 2025.

The interviews will take place in December 2025.
Ansprechpartner:in für Ihre Bewerbung
For more information, please contact Dr. Holger Niemann (https://ifsh/niemann).
Apply for this job
Apply for this job
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