Senior Researcher (m/f/d) for the 'Research and Transfer Project Arms Control and Emerging Technologies - Phase II' in full-time

#1775874
  • Office
    Hamburg
  • Department
    Forschungsbereich Rüstungskontrolle und Neue Technologien
  • Category
    Jobs für Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter*innen
  • Employment type
    Temporary
  • Schedule
    Full time

Join IFSH!

The 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 to fill the following position as soon as possible and subject to the availability of funding:


a Senior Researcher (m/f/d) for the 'Research and Transfer Project Arms Control and Emerging Technologies - Phase II' at IFSH in full-time (100%). The salary group corresponds to EG14 TV-AVH. The location of the position is Hamburg. Duration, subject to funding, until December 31, 2026; with the possibility of extension until December 31, 2028.


The advertised position is part of the natural science module. The research within the module focuses on the natural science-based analysis of military developments in the form of new weapon systems (hypersonic weapons, space weapons, autonomous weapon systems) and associated technological innovations (AI, machine learning, supercomputing). In addition to conventional weapons, the research also focuses on weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical) and their delivery systems, as well as missile defense. Besides capability analysis and potential technology impact assessments, the research in the module focusses at the mechanisms of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament. In this context, classical verification measures as well as newer verification technologies (OSINT) play a prominent role. We are not looking for a cyber person!
 
We are looking for a scientist (m/f/d) with several years of research experience and ideally experience in personnel management, who is seeking a job in a dynamic environment at the interface of innovative research and policy-related knowledge transfer.

Your mission

  • You will be responsible for the natural science research in the relevant module of the project and will supervise research from other natural sciences colleagues in the project. 
  • You will actively contribute to research and knowledge transfer, particularly as regards the analysis of military developments and associated technological innovations, as well as their regulation through instruments of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament. 
  • You will conduct research on one or more of the following topics: weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, biological, chemical) and their delivery systems, missile defense, CBRN security and resilience, verification measures, OSINT technologies, hypersonic weapons, space weapons, autonomous weapon systems, AI, machine learning, and/or supercomputing, as well as general mechanisms of arms control, non-proliferation, and disarmament.
  • You will publish your research findings in international high-quality journals (peer-reviewed) and in comparable policy outlets. 
  • You will disseminate your research results through transfer activities with national, international, and transnational actors, through public speaking events, and by actively participating in international conferences, as well as through interaction with national and international media.
  • You will conduct your own fund-raising activities from national and international funders. 
  • You will be responsible for project reporting tasks as far as they relate to the natural science module of the project.

Your profile

  • You have several years of research experience in a field relevant to this position. You hold a university degree in the natural sciences or engineering, or another university degree relevant to the position. Your doctorate on a relevant topic has been completed. Alternatively to a PhD, you have several years of research experience in a leadership position after completing your university studies. Ideally, you also have an interest in or prior knowledge of International Relations studies. Experience in personnel management and managing budgets is an advantage.
  • You demonstrate your scholarly expertise through high-quality publications in peer-reviewed international journals. International research experience and established research networks are a significant advantage.
  • Ideally, you have initial experience or proven success in fundraising, organizing, and leading research projects. 
  • You have a proven track record in knowledge transfer into politics, the media, and society.
  • You have excellent written and oral skills in English. A working knowledge of German is not necessary for the position but considered an asset.
  • You have outstanding communication skills and are able to work in an international team (the working language is English). You are self-motivated, reliable, and well-organized.

We offer

In addition to an exciting field of work in a dynamic and highly relevant research environment, you can expect the following additional benefits with us:

  • A company pension scheme based on the Hamburg pension model
  • Individual training opportunities as part of our IFSH staff development program
  • Flexible working hours and the opportunity to work up to 60% from home, depending on your personal situation and job context
  • Additional incentive pay based on our collective agreement (TV AVH) in the form of a tax-free non-cash benefit card

Further information

The IFSH has set itself the goal of promoting the careers of women and is, therefore, particularly interested in applications from women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are given priority in these areas in accordance with the Hamburg Equal Opportunities Act, provided they have equivalent qualifications. Severely disabled persons are also expressly invited to apply. We also encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.
 
Your application for the advertised position should consist of a cover letter, a detailed research plan (1-2 pages) relevant for the position, an up-to-date CV, a publications list, and two writing samples. Please apply through our career portal (institute/vacancies).
 
The application deadline is November 17, 2024.

Contact person for your application

For further information, please contact Dr. Ulrich Kühn (kuehn@ifsh.de).