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 Master’s 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 teamwork skills
- Independent and structured way of working
- Interest in participating in an interdisciplinary research context
We offer:
- The opportunity to realize own research based on the results of the research project
- An exciting and varied activity in a collegial project context
- Collaboration in a research project that is located at the interface of sociological property research and environmental and sustainability research in the Global South as well as embedded in an interdisciplinary network
- The SFB and the University of Jena offer a pleasant working environment with many opportunities for further scientific qualification and training
- A family-friendly working environment and the opportunity to partly work from home (if desired)
- Remuneration according to the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) according to pay group 13 including a special annual payment and 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31
The position is a fixed-term position through December 31, 2028.
In principle, the position is also suitable for part-time employment. The extent to which a part-time request can be granted, in particular with regard to the location and scope of part-time work, is examined on the basis of the needs of the service.
Questions of property are fundamentally characterized by inequality. Against this background, the SFB strives for a diverse composition of its employees. Specific experiences of people with an East German or non-academic background, with experience of racism and migration and different genders broaden the perspectives on the subject of research. With this in mind, we expressly encourage underrepresented groups in academia to apply. Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability. Further information on the SFB can be found on the following page:
Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 11.09.2026 using our online form.
For further information for applicants and the information on the collection of personal data, please refer to