Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Globalisation and Development

The German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)/Leibniz-Institut für Globale und Regionale Studien is an independent social science research institute based in Hamburg. It analyses political, social, and economic developments in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, and links this knowledge to questions of global significance. It combines region-specific analysis with innovative comparative research on accountability and participation, peace and security, globalisation and development, and global orders and foreign policies. The GIGA seeks to appoint a 

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (M/F/D)

Globalisation and Development 

Applications are invited for a full-time position, with an initial contract of three years and the possibility of another three years after successful evaluation and depending on the availability of funds. The successful applicant should start as soon as possible. The position is designed for further professional qualification as defined in § 2 WissZeitVG (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act). The salary is commensurate with EG 13 TV-AVH / TVöD. 

The successful candidate will be affiliated to one of the GIGA’s Regional Institutes and conduct research within Research Programme 3 “Globalisation and Development” (RP3). The programme studies the economic, political, and social foundations of inclusive and sustainable development; its current research focuses, inter alia, on sustainability in global value chains, decent work and employment, climate change and development, and rural-transformation processes. Further, RP3 frequently engages in research at the interface of political economy and development. It is planned to expand RP3’s research activities on the development implications of digitalisation and the “just energy transition” in the Global South. This list of topics is not exhaustive, and the candidate’s own work can match or complement RP3’s ongoing research. The candidate is expected to hand in a research outline explaining how they would contribute to the GIGA’s research agenda. This outline should include concrete ideas for collaboration with projects and researchers at the GIGA. 

The candidate is expected to conduct excellent research with real-world relevance and, accordingly, to participate in knowledge-exchange and outreach activities (media engagement, policy advice, and similar). There are no teaching obligations for this position, but the Institute offers support in finding teaching opportunities at one of the GIGA’s partner universities. 

Mandatory qualifications:

• A doctoral degree (or advanced PhD studies) in (Development or International) Economics, Political Science, or other Social Sciences
• Strong methodological skills (proven proficiency of quantitative and/or qualitative methods)
• Emerging academic track record on topics relevant to the research agenda of the GIGA and RP3
• Fieldwork experience in at least one of the GIGA’s study regions
• English-language proficiency 

Desired qualifications:

• Successful fundraising, preferably with competitive funding bodies
• Previous interaction with relevant stakeholders (policymakers, development practitioners, etc.)
• Experience of knowledge-exchange activities 

Part-time options will be considered, if so desired by the successful candidate. Diversity and the reconciliation of work and family life are of great importance to the Institute. The GIGA promotes the equality of all genders. Additionally, we actively encourage applications from persons with disabilities. 

Please fill out the GIGA application form as part of your full submission (Ref.-No. GIGA-24-06), including relevant supporting documentation: (1) short cover letter (max. 1 page); (2) CV (max. 3 pages); (3) list of publications (max. 2 pages); (4) research outline (max. 2 pages); (5) references: 1 letter of recommendation plus 2 additional references with email and phone number (max. 3 pages); (6) other credentials/diplomas/certificates (max. 6 pages). Items (1) to (6) should be compiled into one PDF, which cannot be of more than 17 pages in length. Please also provide two work samples as separate PDFs.

German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA)

Neuer Jungfernstieg 21, 20354 Hamburg, Germany

Email: jobs-24-06@giga-hamburg.de (email applications are particularly welcome). 

Screening of applications will begin on 29 April 2024. 

For further information, please visit the GIGA homepage (www.giga-hamburg.de) or contact Jann Lay (email: jann.lay@giga-hamburg.de).