Research Associate for the Project “Life under Pressure: Political Interventions in the Face of Urbicide”

InstitutionFaculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Social Sciences
Salary levelEGR. 13 TV-L
Start date01.04.2026, fixed until 31.03.2030 (This is a fixed-term contract in accordance with Section 2 of the academic fixed-term labor contract act [Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG]).
Application deadline14.11.2025
Scope of workfull-time position suitable for part-time

Your responsibilities

Duties include academic services in the project named above. Research associates may also pursue independent research and further academic qualifications.

The advertised position is part of a research project on “Life under Pressure. Political Interventions in the Face of Urbicide” in the collaborative and interdisciplinary DFG Research Unit 5870 “The Promise of Security in Catastrophic Times”. 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 postdoctoral researcher to join “RP5: Life under Pressure: Political Interventions in the Face of Urbicide”. The research project explores how projects of rebuilding and recovery in Ukraine envision the future life in the city after the potential end of the war, and how demands for protection of civilian initiatives and organisations connect to international concerns about urbicide.

The successful candidate will

• conduct the project case study on Ukraine: by generating qualitative data through participant observation and interviews on projects of recovery and rebuilding (remotely) and through online document analysis of social initiatives of protection.
• 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

A university degree in a relevant field.

• You have completed or are about to complete a doctorate in a field relevant to the advertised position, e.g. sociology, urban geography, cultural sociology or anthropology.
• You demonstrate your academic expertise in the broader research field of urban studies, architectural sociology, post-war recovery and/or affect theory, socio-legal studies through high-quality, peer-reviewed publications.
• Familiarity with, and experience of, qualitative research methods, including interviews, ethnographic, or participatory research, discourse analysis.
• You have excellent written and spoken English language skills. Good German language skills are an advantage but not a requirement. Ukrainian language skills are an advantage.
• You are an excellent team player: Communication skills, team orientation and initiative are required.
• International research experience and experience working in interdisciplinary teams are an advantage.

We offer

• Reliable remuneration based on wage agreements
• Continuing education opportunities
• University pensions
• Attractive location
• Flexible working hours
• Work-life balance opportunities
• Health management, EGYM Wellpass
• Educational leave
• 30 days of vacation per annum

Universität Hamburg—University of Excellence is one of the strongest research educational institutions in Germany. Our work in research, teaching, educational and knowledge exchange activities is fostering the next generation of responsible global citizens ready to tackle the global challenges facing us. Our guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a digital age” drives collaboration with academic and nonacademic partner institutions in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region and around the world. We would like to invite you to be part of our community to work with us in creating sustainable and digital change for a dynamic and pluralist society.

The University of Hamburg is committed to equity. Diversity enriches our university life, whether in our studies, research, teaching, education, or workplace. We therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, age, religion or belief, disability, or chronic illness.

The University of Hamburg strives to increase the number of women in academia, and encourages qualified female academics to apply.

Severely disabled and disabled applicants with the same status will receive preference over equally qualified non-disabled applicants.

Instructions for applying

Contact

Prof. Dr. Susanne Krasmann
susanne.krasmann@uni-hamburg.de
Reference number
286

Location

Von-Melle-Park 5
20146 Hamburg
To Google Maps

Application deadline

14.11.2025

Use only the online application form to submit your application. Your application should consist of

• a cover letter detailing your research interests in the advertised field (concepts, themes and methods),
• an academic CV,
• copies of degree certificate(s),
• and two writing samples.

The interviews will probably take place in one of the first weeks of December 2025.

If you experience technical problems, send an email to bewerbungen@uni-hamburg.de.

More information on data protection in selection procedures.