Doctoral Researcher in Sustainability Science

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences. People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty’s research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

The Department of Social Sciences at the University of Luxembourg brings together researchers from a range of disciplines using qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches, often working across disciplinary boundaries and in close collaboration with societal partners.

Within the Sustainability Science and Transformation research group, we seek to address major contemporary social and ecological challenges through participatory, transdisciplinary and transformative research. Our work addresses sustainability transitions, environmental governance, citizen science, ecological justice, social learning, climate adaptation and relationships between science, policy and society.

We value collaboration, creativity and mutual support. The successful candidate will join a friendly, internationally connected and interdisciplinary research environment that combines conceptual innovation with practical societal engagement.

Your role

We are seeking to appoint a fully funded doctoral researcher to join the project ECOJUST – Ecologically Just Climate Resilient Development.

The project investigates how citizen science and participatory research can support climate-resilient development and ecological justice in urban environments. Particular attention is given to understanding relationships between ecological health, human wellbeing and climate vulnerability, especially during extreme weather events such as urban heat, drought or heavy rainfall.

The doctoral project will explore how ecological and human vulnerabilities/capacities can be assessed and represented in ways that support more equitable and regenerative approaches to climate adaptation. The research will investigate relationships between environmental conditions, ecological functioning and human wellbeing.

A further objective of the project is to develop knowledge and design requirements for nature-based solutions that simultaneously support ecological health, climate resilience and social wellbeing.

The doctoral researcher will work closely with the researchers, partners, citizens, policy makers and local communities. The position offers opportunities for developing expertise in citizen science, participatory research, climate resilience and sustainability science.

Main responsabilities:

• Conduct original doctoral research within the ECOJUST project
• Develop and implement qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method research approaches
• Participate in the co-design and implementation of citizen science activities
• Contribute to the development of ecological and social indicators related to climate resilience
• Support the design and implementation of surveys, workshops and participatory activities
• Contribute to the collection, analysis and interpretation of research data
• Participate in stakeholder engagement activities involving citizens, public authorities and community organisations
• Contribute to the development of the project's citizen science platform and associated knowledge systems
• Present research findings at national and international conferences
• Publish scientific articles in collaboration with the research team

Your profile

• Master's degree in sustainability science, geography, environmental social sciences or humanities, environmental studies, ecology, urban studies, landscape architecture, science and technology studies, environmental humanities or a related field
• Strong interest in climate resilience, ecological justice, citizen science or sustainability transformations
• Interest in relationships between ecological systems, environmental change and human wellbeing
• Interest in interdisciplinary and participatory research approaches
• Proficient in English (C1)

Desirable

• Experience with qualitative or mixed-method research
• Experience with surveys, interviews, workshops or participatory methods
• Knowledge of climate adaptation, nature-based solutions or urban resilience
• Experience with GIS, mapping approaches or spatial analysis
• Interest in ecological indicators, environmental monitoring or citizen science
• Experience working with communities, civil society organisations or public authorities
• Good knowledge of French (B2), German (B2) or Luxembourgish (B2) would be considered as an asset

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are curious, collaborative and motivated to contribute to more resilient relationships between people, communities and the environments in which they live.

Language Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate at least B2-level proficiency in the language of their thesis. For details and accepted certificates, please visit the Application for admission – Doctoral Candidates.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Names, contact information and current position of up to 3 referees who can, upon request, provide an assessment of the application. Please indicate their relationship to you

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08363

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 44531 (full time).