Postdoctoral Researcher - EG13 TV-AVH / Senior Researcher - EG14 TV-AVH (m/f/d) in the Research Area „Arms Control and Emerging Technologies“ with a focus on Governance of Disruptive Technologies

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg has been investigating the conditions for peace and security – on a global, regional and local scale – since 1971. The IFSH aims to contribute actively to peace by conducting outstanding and innovative research. Transferring knowledge from research to politics and society is a fundamental part of the institute's work.

We currently employ around 70 colleagues in research, transfer, teaching and administration at our locations in Hamburg and Berlin. Thanks to funding from the City of Hamburg, we are expanding our science and service teams significantly as part of a growth strategy for the coming years. The IFSH is an international and diverse institution. We combine a culture of openness, agility and short communication channels with the reputation of an established and well-connected research institution.

The research area Arms Control and Emerging Technologies analyses how armaments, disruptive dual-use technologies, and strategies for their governance interact with great power conflict in Europe and Asia. We examine military capabilities, doctrines, and policies in terms of their inherent opportunities and risks and assess their potential to strengthen peace and security. Relying on approaches from security and strategic studies, international relations, history, computer sciences, and physics, we respond to great power conflict and the associated new arms races by analytically strengthening arms control and nonproliferation.

The position focuses on the governance of disruptive technologies, with particular attention to the following topics:

• Implications of disruptive technologies for peace and security; especially their effects on crisis stability, arms racing, and human security;
• Strategies for the regulation of highly disruptive (dual-use) technologies, such as AI, quantum computing, anti-satellite capabilities, hypersonic weapons systems, directed energy weapons, or human-enhancement technologies.

The position is advertised at two qualification levels (EG13 Postdoctoral Researcher / EG14 Senior Researcher). Applicants with different academic experience levels are invited to apply for the appropriate level matching their profile.

Tasks – Specific to EG13 (Postdoc)​

• Development of initial research agendas on the topics advertised.
• Publication of academic contributions in international, peer-reviewed journals and publishing houses.
• Public dissemination of research results in society, politics, and the media.
• Development of fundraising proposals and participation in fundraising initiatives of other colleagues.
• Participation in teaching within the Institute’s Master’s program “Peace and Security Studies (M.A.)”.
• Contribution to institute-wide cross-cutting themes and common tasks within the research area.
• Building and maintaining academic networks.

Tasks – Specific to EG14 (Senior Researcher) 

• Independent development and further advancement of research agendas on the topics advertised.
• Continuous publication of academic contributions in international, peer-reviewed journals and publishing houses.
• Public dissemination of research results in society, politics, and the media; regular public appearances.
• Fundraising as well asconception, implementation, and leadership of research projects and project teams.
• Guidance, mentoring, and academic support for early-career colleagues.
• Regular teaching in the Institute’s Master’s program “Peace and Security Studies (M.A.)”.
• Supervision of Master’sstudents and doctoral researchers.
• Contribution to institute-wide cross-cutting themes and common tasks within the research area and the institute.
• Maintaining and expanding national and international academic networks.
• Development of cooperative research and transfer projects with academic and civil-society partners.

• Completed academic degree in Science and Technology Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Strategic Studies, Security Studies, or a related social science field; applications from the natural sciences are particularly welcome, provided relevant topical expertises demonstrated.
• Profound knowledge of the governance of disruptive technologies.
• Willingness to engage in knowledge transfer activities and public outreach.
• Very good command of English; German language skills area plus.
• Ability to work in a team, strong communication skills, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary projects.

Additional Requirements for EG13 (Postdoc) 

• Completed doctorate or close to completion.  
• First academic publications, including peer-reviewed publications (e.g., articles, working papers, book chapters).
• First experiences in fundraising.
• First experiences with public appearances or transfer formats are an advantage.
• First experiences in teaching or a demonstrated willingness to start teaching.
• A willingness to publicly disseminate research results.

Additional Requirements for EG14 (Senior Researcher) 

• Completed doctorate, ideally with distinction.
• Regular publications in international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Proven experience in fundraising and in implementing externally funded research projects.
• Experience inleading smaller research teams or coordinating complex projects.
• Extensive national and/or international academic networks.
• Proven experience in knowledge transfer activities involving politics, society, and the media, including public appearances.
• Teaching and supervision experience (MA students, possibly doctoral researchers).