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. The position is full‑time (100 %) and fixed‑term until 31 December 2028, funded under the TV‑L 13 collective agreement. The successful candidate will co‑lead the team and drive research on land‑use conflicts linked to emerging hydrogen value chains in Chile and Argentina.

Key responsibilities

• Provide scientific and administrative leadership for the Junior Research Team.
• Design and conduct qualitative fieldwork, including expert interviews and participant observation, in Argentina and Chile.
• Analyse ownership structures in the South American hydrogen economy and produce peer‑reviewed articles.
• Coordinate workshops and research events with the transnational TraSAs network.
• Contribute to the interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Centre’s committees, events, and teaching (4 LVS per semester) at the Institute of Sociology.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Sociology or a related discipline.
• PhD completed 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, fixed‑term contract (until 31 Dec 2028) under TV‑L 13.
• Opportunity to co‑lead an international research team and shape policy‑relevant scholarship.
• Teaching responsibilities and integration into a vibrant interdisciplinary research centre.