Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.
The Professorship in Political Science with a Focus on International Sustainability at the Institute of Political Science, University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a:

Postdoctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiterin , salary level TV-L E 13)

commencing on 1 March 2027. We are offering a fixed-term full-time position (100%) for 4 years until 28 February 2031. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester.

Your tasks:

• Independent research and publication activities (as part of the Habilitation process or equivalent academic achievements), ideally related to the research priorities of the Professorship.
• Teaching responsibilities at both BA and MA levels (approx. 2 courses per term) in International Relations and on the political dimensions of sustainability in an international context.
• General administrative support.
• Collaboration in research, teaching, BA/MA thesis supervision, and the preparation of external research grant applications.

Our expectations:

• Excellent MA/MSc (or equivalent) and doctoral degrees in Political Science, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge (e.g., in own research contributions, participation in relevant courses, etc.) of research in International Relations, particularly with regard to (but not limited to) international environmental/sustainability politics, global environmental governance, or the international links between climate change and conflict.
• A clearly defined independent research agenda with at least two publications in leading peer reviewed international journals (SSCI-listed or equivalent)
• A high degree of motivation, initiative, and scientific curiosity.
• Commitment and dedication, as well as the ability to work both independ
• Strong skills in quantitative data analysis (preferably using R/Stata).
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• Experience in university teaching is an advantage.
• German is no requirement for the position.

Advantages for you:

• Work within an internationally oriented research group.
• Generous funding for conferences and fieldwork provided within the research group.
• Research support and career counselling.
• Appreciation, commitment, openness, and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work-time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• As an educational institution, we are deeply committed to offering opportunities tailored to your individual needs.
• From A – Z, Aikido to Zumba, our ensure a healthy work-life balance.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (), an and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports . We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. Part-time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

If you have any questions, please contact the Institute of Political Science ().

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your full application (cover letter outlining your motivation, skills and research interests, CV including a list of publications, BA, MA, and PhD certificates if already completed, contact details of two referees, and a writing sample) by 2026-11-13 electronically in a single PDF file via E-Mail to . Please note that we cannot consider other file formats.

University Münster
Institute of Political Science
Scharnhorststraße 100
48151 Münster

Reference number: 2026_10_12