Postdoctoral 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 themes such as 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 an internationally connected and interdisciplinary research environment that combines conceptual innovation with practical societal engagement. We strive to provide a supportive and flexible working environment in which researchers can develop their own ideas and build their own academic profile while contributing to meaningful societal change.

Your role

The candidate will contribute to the project ECOJUST – Ecologically Just Climate Resilient Development, funded through the Climate Nexus Framework Convention.

ECOJUST aims to co-design a citizen science approach that makes visible hidden vulnerabilities, interdependencies and potentials for regenerative action related to climate resilience, ecological health and social wellbeing. The project explores how ecological justice can support more inclusive and regenerative approaches to climate-resilient development.

The project focuses on identifying and mapping vulnerabilities and capacities associated with extreme weather events, urban heat, ecological degradation and climate change, while simultaneously recognising relationships between human and more-than-human communities.

The candidate will play a leading role in shaping the scientific direction of the project, coordinating participatory research activities, overseeing the development of a citizen science platform and contributing to international scientific debates on ecological justice, climate resilience and sustainability transformations.

Main responsabilities:

• Plan and conduct project research independently and collaboratively, while developing an independent research agenda aligned with the objectives of ECOJUST
• Contribute to project management and the development of project strategy
• Develop conceptual and methodological frameworks for citizen science approaches to ecological justice, climate resilience and regenerative governance
• Design participatory research activities addressing vulnerabilities and potentials associated with extreme weather, nature recovery and climate resilience
• Engage with relevant initiatives in Luxembourg and internationally and identify good practices in citizen science, climate adaptation and participatory governance
• Manage project resources and contribute to the development of new funding opportunities
• Oversee the development of the citizen science platform and digital tools
• Assume responsibility over quality assurance of collected data, analysis and selective public accessibility of data sets
• Organise stakeholder workshops and participatory co-design processes
• Develop partnerships with policy makers, practitioners and civil society organisations
• Contribute to the development of creative project outputs

Your profile

• PhD in environmental social sciences or humanities, sustainability science, geography, environmental governance, science and technology studies, urban studies or a related interdisciplinary field with a strong social science component
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential to publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in mixed-method research
• Experience conducting interviews, workshops, focus groups or participatory research
• Interest in citizen science, ecological justice, climate resilience, sustainability transformations or regenerative governance
• Interest in concepts such as social-ecological systems, post-normal science, relational approaches and participatory governance
• Experience working with non-academic stakeholders and facilitating collaborative processes
• Proficient in English (C1). Good knowledge of German (B2) or French (B2).
• Willingness to travel within Luxembourg and internationally

Desirable:

• Experience with citizen science or participatory action research
• Experience in urban climate adaptation, nature-based solutions or climate resilience
• Experience with digital participation platforms, online surveys or citizen science technologies
• Experience with participatory mapping or spatial approaches
• Experience with indicator development, dashboard design or participatory data collection
• Experience collaborating with artists, designers or creative practitioners
• Experience working at science-policy interfaces
• Experience with grant writing and research proposal development
• Experience with open science practices, research data management and participatory data governance
• Knowledge of Luxembourg's environmental, planning or climate policy landscape
• Good knowledge of Luxembourgish (B2)

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 detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
• PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
• Degree certificates and transcripts of university-level courses, including grades

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 34.5 months
• Work Hours: 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08364

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 87306 (full time).

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