Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability Science

About the FHSE

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

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 in social ecological systems, human-nature relations, citizen science, biodiversity and biosphere integrity, social learning, climate resilience, and relationships between science, policy and society.

Your role

The candidate will support the Luxembourg component of the ScotLuxSplash project, funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) in collaboration with partners in Scotland.

ScotLuxSplash explores how connections between citizen scientists, environmental organisations, public authorities and policy makers can be strengthened in catchment governance and environmental decision-making in both Scotland and Luxembourg. The project examines how different forms of knowledge can contribute to more inclusive and effective environmental governance.

The candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of participatory research activities in Luxembourg and support collaboration with the Scottish project team. A particular focus of the Luxembourg position will be the co-design of a process for participatory actionable knowledge co-production including data collection, analysis and meaning-making in groups with a range of interests and expertise. This will include data management, co-design of representations, and further development of a knowledge platform that supports knowledge exchange, citizen science and stakeholder engagement.Main responsabilities:

Contribute to research design, project management, reporting, administration, data management and archiving

Participate actively in collaborative teamwork within the ScotLuxSplash consortium

Organise, facilitate and document stakeholder workshops, participatory processes and knowledge exchange activities in Luxembourg

Develop strong relationships with project partners and stakeholders, including citizen scientists, environmental organisations, public administrations and policy makers

Contribute to the further development and improvement of an existing digital knowledge platform supporting environmental governance and citizen science.Undertake data collection, management and analysis using appropriate qualitative and mixed-method approache

Develop written, visual and oral outputs suitable for academic, policy and public audiences

Lead and co-develop submissions to peer-reviewed journals

Your profile

Required:

• PhD in geography, sustainability science, environmental governance, science and technology studies, or environmental social sciences, or an interdisciplinary field with a strong social science component.
• Demonstrated ability to publish or strong potential to publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience in conducting qualitative or mixed-method research, including interviews, focus groups and participatory workshops
• Experience working with non-academic stakeholders and facilitating collaborative processes
• Ability to create accessible materials and communication products for non-academic audiences
• Interest in citizen science, science-policy interfaces, catchment governance, environmental governance and sustainability transformations
• Interest in concepts such as post-normal science, social learning, relational governance and transformative sustainability science
• Strong organisational and project management skills

Language Requirements: Excellent command (C1) of English and very good command (B2) of German or French

Desirable:

Experience of participatory action research, transdisciplinary research or citizen science

Experience in organising and facilitating stakeholder workshops and multi-actor processes

Experience in environmental governance, water governance, catchment management or sustainability transitions

Experience with digital platforms, online knowledge systems or participatory knowledge infrastructures

Experience in visual communication, infographics, video production or social media communication.

Knowledge of the Luxembourg environmental, governance or policy context

Good working knowledge (B1) of Luxembourgish

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 41 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08370