Researcher (m/f/d) in the research focus “International Cyber Security” at IFSH (part-time 65%)
- OfficeBerlin
- DepartmentForschungsbereich Rüstungskontrolle und Neue Technologien
- Employment typeTemporary
- SchedulePart time
Join IFSH!
The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) is an interdisciplinary foundation and research institution at the University of Hamburg, which is institutionally supported by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The research activities of the IFSH concentrate on analysing current developments and challenges for peace and security with a focus on the European region. The transfer of knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the Institute's work.
We are looking for a part-time (65%) Research Associate (m/f/d) in the research area ‘International Cyber Security’ at IFSH as of 01.12.2024. The pay grade corresponds to EG 13 TV-AVH. The position is based in Berlin (duration is until 31 December 2026 subject to availability of funds).
The research focus “International Cyber Security” has been funded by the Federal Foreign Office since December 2020 and works closely with political decision-makers, international research institutions, think tanks and industry. The aim is to analyze new technological developments and political trends with the aim of successfully transferring knowledge to politics and society and thus contributing to the international regulation of cyberspace.
For this position, we are looking for a scientist (m/f/d) with a background in either political science, computer science or natural sciences with a strong interest in security policy and technological developments in the field of cyber foreign policy & cyber security and the implications of digital technologies for arms control. Communicative talent and the ability to mediate effectively between science and policy would be desirable.
Your mission
- You will contribute to basic research in the field of international cybersecurity and publish your research results in peer-reviewed publications and in relevant policy formats
- You will actively disseminate your research results through transfer activities towards national, international and transnational actors, for example in the form of policy papers (IFSH Policy Formats, Op'eds), by organizing public events (policy briefings) and research workshops, actively participating in international conferences and through interactions with national and international as well as social media
- You will take on organizational and administrative tasks as part of the project team. You will plan content aspects of academic workshops, conferences (Shaping Cybersecurity) and policy briefings and assist with organizational tasks, including contact, invitation and travel management.
- You will contribute to research planning, supervision and coordination of publications and other research activities
Your profile
- You either have at least a university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in either political science (specialization in international relations, peace and conflict research, strategic studies, war/intelligence studies is an advantage), computer science or natural sciences: International relations, peace and conflict studies, strategic studies, war/intelligence studies are an advantage), computer science or natural sciences.
- Or you have a Bachelor's degree plus practical professional experience in the field of cyber security or in policy work (think tanks, NGOs).
- You are interested in one or more topics of international cyber security policy, e.g. the role of cyber operations in the context of geopolitical conflicts (cyber war); cyber defense / IT security and resilience building; (combating) hybrid warfare and information operations; upgrading the EU cyber sanctions regime and the further development of corresponding bilateral and multilateral treaties, norms and rules in cyber foreign policy; international cooperation against transnational cybercrime; approaches to arms control for digital technologies; approaches to cross-border support in crisis situations as well as long-term capacity building, confidence building and crisis management; digital dependencies vs. sovereignty efforts in Germany and Europe.
- You have experience in organizing events, including contact, invitation and travel management.
- You have excellent written and oral skills in German and English.
Communication skills, team orientation and a lot of initiative are required.
An advantage would be:
- International research experience and networking
- Ideally, you have already published on one or more of these topics (in the form of policy formats or scientific publications).
- Practical experience in policy work (think tanks, NGOs, etc.) in the field of (cyber) security policy
- Technical entry-level certificates (e.g. Security+, BSI basic protection)
The position can be used to prepare the content of a doctoral program, for example to identify a topic and research design.
Further information
IFSH has set itself the goal of promoting the careers of women and is therefore particularly interested in applications from women in areas in which they are underrepresented. In accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, women with equivalent qualifications will be given priority in these areas. Severely disabled persons are also expressly encouraged to apply.
Your application in the context of the advertised position should consist of a cover letter (including a brief profile of your research interests), two previously published writing samples and a current CV with a list of publications. Please apply via our career portal https://ifsh.de/en/institute/vacancies. We encourage you to use the DFG template for your CV. You can find it, including some explanations, here: www.dfg.de/de/curriculum-vitae.
The application deadline is 27.10.2024.
Contact person for your application
For further information, please contact Dr. Matthias Schulze (https://ifsh.de/en/staff/schulze).