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

Researcher/Senior Researcher (m/f/d) for the “Research and Transfer Project Arms Control and Emerging Technologies – Phase II" (full-time 100 %)

Temporary, Full-time · Hamburg

Join the IFSH!

The IFSH is an interdisciplinary research institution based at the University of Hamburg and is funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The research activities of the IFSH centre on the analysis of current peace and security developments as well as challenges. The transfer of knowledge from research into politics and society is a fundamental component of the Institute's work.

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) is seeking, as soon as possible and subject to the availability of funds

a Researcher/Senior Researcher (m/f/d) for the “Research and Transfer Project Arms Control and Emerging Technologies – Phase II" at IFSH full-time (100 %). The salary group corresponds to EG13 TV-AVH. The position is based in Hamburg. (term from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2026)

The research and transfer project "Arms Control and Emerging Technologies –Phase II" conducts interdisciplinary research and policy-relevant work and aims to strengthen international arms control mechanisms and disarmament efforts in a time of crisis of multilateralism. The project is implemented with the financial support of the German Federal Foreign Office and continues successful work from the first project phase (2019-2022), which made IFSH a leading international hub on these topics.

China's military buildup continues at a steady pace. In all military capability areas - nuclear, conventional, cyber, AI - China is modernizing and expanding its armed forces. At the same time, political and military tensions are rising between China and the United States, as well as with U.S. allies in the region. The first signs of a Sino-American arms race are visible, with consequences for further strategic stability. This also increases the risk of unintended escalation in the region.

The advertised position will focus on the study of China's military rise and related global order and power dynamics. Specifically, these include: military aspects of great power competition between the United States and China; an emerging Sino-American arms race; a possible military alliance between China and Russia and its consequences for global arms control and multilateral policies; a tri- or multipolar nuclear order; strategic stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region; opportunities for nuclear and/or conventional arms control in the region and in particular between the United States and China; the impact of Emerging Technologies on the military balance in the region; analysis of regional escalation scenarios and respective confidence-building measures.

In general, the incumbent should have a strong interest in developing new scholarly and policy-relevant approaches to the study of regional military dynamics and possible arms control. She/he should publish appropriate research findings in internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journals and relevant policy outlets. The position is open to PhD students in their final year, post-docs, and more experienced researchers with proven publication experience.

Joining a dynamic research environment, we are looking for a researcher (m/f/d) who is seeking an interesting job at the intersection between innovative research and policy-oriented consulting.

Your mission

• You actively contribute to research and policy advice in the areas of China's military rise (nuclear, conventional, and including Emerging Technologies); related global order and power dynamics; resulting implications for global arms control and multilateral policies; strategic stability and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region; and opportunities for nuclear and/or conventional arms control in the region. You will focus strongly on the Sino-American competitive relationship.
• You will conduct research on one or more of the following topics: Great Power Competition, nuclear and military doctrines, Strategic Stability, Nuclear Order, nuclear and conventional arms control, deterrence and escalation, Impact of Emerging Technologies.
• You will publish your research results in peer-reviewed journals and in relevant policy outlets.
• You will disseminate your research results through policy transfer activities to national, international and transnational actors, through public events and active participation in international conferences, and through interaction with national and international media.

Your profile

• You have a university degree in the social sciences or another degree relevant to the position. Your PhD in a relevant field has been recently completed or is in its final stages. Alternatively, you have several years of research experience after completing your PhD.
• You demonstrate your scholarly expertise through high-quality publications (peer-reviewed). Alternatively, you have already started working on specific manuscripts that are intended for peer-reviewed publication.
• You have initial or sustained experience in policy advice and in transferring your research results to policymakers and the interested public.
• International research experience and existing research networks or collaborations, especially in China, are a strong plus.
• You have excellent written and verbal skills English language skills - Mandarin skills are a strong advantage.
• You have excellent communication skills and are able to work in an international team. You are self-motivated and well organized.

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. We also strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities.

Please apply via our career portal (https://ifsh.de/en/institute/vacancies). Your application within the scope of the advertised position should consist of a cover letter, a research plan (1-2 pages) meeting the scope of the advertised position, an up to date CV, your publication list, and two writing samples.

The application deadline is 18.10.2023.

Contact person for your application

For further information please contact Dr. Ulrich Kühn (https://ifsh.de/personen/kuehn).