Postdoctoral Researcher - EG13 TV-AVH / Senior Researcher - EG14 TV-AVH (m/f/d) in the Research Area “Societal Peace and Internal Security” with a focus on Far-Right Extremism

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 Societal Peace and Internal Security examines the interactions between state security practices, potentials for violence within society, and societal peace in the transnational constellation. Its core focus is the critical analysis of internal security production in Europe, which can exacerbate social inequalities and fuel new forms of polarisation. State measures to combat extremism and terrorism are analysed with regard to their impacts on civil liberties and marginalised groups. At the same time, the role of societal actors and digital spaces in the creation and endangerment of peace and security comes into focus. The research area responds to the increasing politicisation of foreign and security policy, as well as to secondary conflicts within European societies arising in the context of global armed conflicts. Transnational solidarities, diaspora dynamics, and hybrid threat scenarios demonstrate that the line between internal and external security is becoming increasingly blurred. The research area thus analyses societal peace and internal security as a transnational challenge faced by societies worldwide.

The position is expected to contribute to the research in the field of Societal Peace and Internal Security by providing expertise on far-right extremism and related phenomena. Relevant topics include, in particular: 

• Far-right extremism Germany and Europe, including its transnational or global dimensions,
• Processes and concepts off ascization,
• Digital infrastructures and the far right,
• Racisms and internal security.

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 (Postdoctoral Researcher)  

• Development of initial independent research agendas in the fields of far-right extremism, fascization, digital infrastructures and the far right or racisms and internal security.
• Publication of academic contributions in international, peer-reviewed journals and publishing houses.
• Public dissemination of research results in society, politics, and 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 and civil-society networks.

Tasks – Specific to EG14 (Senior Researcher)  

• Independent development and further advancement of research agendas on the topic 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 as conception, 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’s students 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 any discipline, provided it demonstrates relevance or applicability to research in the humanities or social sciences.
• Solid expertise in one or more relevant research fields (far-right extremism, fascization, digital infrastructures and the far right, or racisms and internal security).
• 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 (Postdoctoral Researcher)  

• 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 acquiring and in implementing externally funded research projects.  
• Experience in leading 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).