Doctoral Researcher

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization established within the United Nations System. Its mission is to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development, employing hundreds of researchers across 12 countries. The organization focuses on generating policy-relevant knowledge to address pressing global issues and collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide. For more information, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Doctoral Researcher position is part of the Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²) project, a prestigious Cluster of Excellence initiative funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) in collaboration with TUD Dresden University of Technology. The successful candidate will conduct research on responsible electronics, focusing on the ecological, economic, and social sustainability of electronics in the context of climate change. This role involves working under the guidance of supervisors at both UNU-FLORES and Technische Universitaet Dresden, participating in the Joint Junior Researcher Programme (JJRP). The Doctoral Researcher will collaborate with fellow researchers and senior scientists, contribute to research publications, and engage in knowledge dissemination activities. The position emphasizes the importance of considering the impact of research on communities and the potential for transferring research outcomes upon completion of the doctorate.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Conducting research related to the REC² project, which involves writing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals, developing methodologies for Resource Nexus Assessment, and supporting the development of a Resource Nexus approach to Responsible Electronics, particularly in the Global South.
• Supporting knowledge dissemination by developing strategies for transferring knowledge to regions facing similar challenges, publishing results in appropriate media, and presenting findings at conferences and seminars.
• Assisting in capacity development by organizing workshops related to the research project and contributing to the Institute’s capacity development activities.
• Supporting educational development by working closely with the supervising team to co-supervise master theses and contribute to the Institute’s educational programs and events.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor and the Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an excellent academic profile, including a Master's degree with a cumulative grade average of at least 2.5 or an equivalent in relevant fields such as Environmental, Natural, Social, Economic, or Political sciences, Environmental Ecology, Geography, Remote Sensing, Public Administration, Public Policy, or related disciplines. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of progressively responsible experience related to Responsible Electronics, familiarity with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software solutions, a proven record of publications in the field, and strong skills in statistical analysis and fieldwork. Experience in drafting complex reports and communications, as well as expertise in inter and transdisciplinary research, is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong planning, organization, and time management skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Environmental, Natural, Social, Economic, or Political sciences, with a cumulative grade average of at least 2.5 or its equivalent according to the German system. This academic foundation is essential for conducting research and contributing to the objectives of the REC² project.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience related to Responsible Electronics. This experience should include familiarity with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software solutions and a proven record of publications in the field. The ability to conduct statistical analysis and fieldwork is also necessary, along with experience in drafting complex reports and communications.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and spoken) is required for this position. Fluency in German is desirable, and knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the international research community.

Additional Notes:
This Doctoral Research position is part-time (75%) with a monthly salary of 2,697 EUR, which is commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. The stipend is intended to cover relocation, living, and education expenses. Benefits include 30 days of annual leave and a health insurance scheme. While the Doctoral Programme is tuition-free, candidates will need to pay semester fees of approximately EUR 250-300 directly to TU Dresden for enrollment. The initial contract duration is one year, pending project approval, with the possibility of renewal based on performance. The maximum duration on a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU is three and a half years, and the mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. The starting date for this position is as soon as possible.