Postdoctoral Researcher – Hydrogen Economy in South America

About the role

The Junior Research Team “Property structures in the Hydrogen Economy in South America” within the Collaborative Research Centre “Structural Change of Property” at Friedrich Schiller University Jena seeks a postdoctoral researcher to co‑lead the team. The position focuses on analysing land‑use conflicts linked to emerging hydrogen value chains in Chile and Argentina and their socio‑ecological implications.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific and administrative leadership of the Junior Research Team.
• Design and conduct qualitative fieldwork, including expert interviews and participant observation, in South America.
• Analyse ownership structures and draft peer‑reviewed articles on Argentina and Chile.
• Participate in the transnational research network TraSAs on just supply chains for lithium and hydrogen.
• Organise and lead workshops and events within the Collaborative Research Centre.
• Teach four lecture‑seminar units per semester at the Institute of Sociology.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Sociology or a related discipline.
• Completed PhD focusing on socio‑ecological conflicts, energy transition policies, or infrastructure projects in Latin America.
• Strong background in political ecology, political economy, or resource governance is advantageous.

Required skills

What we offer

• Full‑time (100 %) position paid according to TV‑L 13 collective agreement.
• Fixed‑term contract until 31 December 2028.
• Opportunity to lead an international research team and contribute to high‑impact publications.
• Teaching responsibilities within a reputable university environment.