Three research assistants 50 PhD positions dfm in the field of sustainable and just transformation and global finance

Witten/Herdecke University which was founded in 1982 is Germanys first privately funded university. At present it has a staff of more than 900 employees serving over 3000 students. The university is committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and accordingly to tackling the complex challenges of meeting these goals. We aim to contribute through our teaching and research to overcoming the climate crisis and to shaping a sustainable liveable and viable society. In line with this objective we strive to make our administration and life on our campus as climatefriendly and socially responsible as possible.

Within the context of the Heisenberg Professorship for Politics Transformation and Sustainability (Prof Dr Joscha Wullweber) in the Department of Politics Philosophy and Economics we are recruiting for 1 August 2025three research assistants 50 PhD positions) (d/f/m) in the field of sustainable and just transformation and global finance.

The appointment is limited to three years and four months. The aim is to increase the position to a parttime level of 65 and to find followon financing.

Development and establishment of the research area Sustainable and Just Transformation at Witten/Herdecke University with a strong focus on sustainable finance:

• Research in the area of transformation and/or global finance
• Teaching 2 semester hours per week) in the field of political science and international political economy
• Publication of research results in national and international journals
• Presentation of research results at the PhD workshop national and international conferences workshops and other academic events.
• Transfer of research findings to the public
• Collaboration on university committees

• Completed masters degree in political science economics social sciences or International Political Economy
• Very good command of English
• Good knowledge of German
• Indepth knowledge of international political economy and sustainable finance
• Ability and motivation to conduct independent theoretically guided empirical research
• Strong interest in global transformation processes in the field of socioecological transformation and global finance
• Intent to finalize the PhD degree within the given timeframe
• Experience in and willingness to engage in interdisciplinary cooperation
• Experience in research and/or political activism in the field of sustainable transformation is desirable

We are looking for Phd topics in the following research areas: research about the interplay between the shadow banking system and offshore financial structures and their relation to the green transition and the global financial system; policy analysis of EU sustainable finance regulations exploring the interests strategies and struggles of EU policymakers private financial actors and civil society organizations; the emergence and contestation of EU green financial technocracy in the context of marketbased finance failures of governance and popular demands.

The opportunity to conduct research in an international context and based on the progressive approaches of theory and methodology in international political economy to make an important contribution toward a more profound understanding of the processes and struggles of sustainable and equitable transformation and global financial relations

• A stimulating working environment for politicaleconomic research at the international level
• Comprehensive support for your PhD project
• The chance to teach small seminar groups of international students in our innovative Bachelors and Englishlanguage Masters programmes in Politics Philosophy and Economics
• Possibilities to actively initiate accompany and shape sustainable transformation processes
• The university subsidises the 9 ticket
• A familyfriendly working environment (flexible working hours with the possibility of also working from home).
• 30 days of paid annual leave and extended holiday weekends (from the 24th to 31st of December plus three additional days that fall between a public holiday and the weekend)
• Child care subsidy of up to 200 euros per month (depending on salary level and age of child)
• Occupational pension scheme and disability insurance
• Comprehensive advanced training programme
• Promotion of environmentallyfriendly transportation options (bicycle leasing electric car rental etc.
• Local public transport season ticket at a reduced price
• A wide selection of food choices in our cafeteria at reduced employee prices
• A variety of sports and leisure activities for staff members
• Excellent infrastructure and modern technical equipment
• Opportunities to participate in national and international conferences

Interested applicants are invited to submit detailed applications online via the application portal of Witten/Herdecke University.

Applications must include a statement of motivation curriculum vitae a onepage synopsis of the proposed dissertation project documentation of qualifications and competencies references writing sample (preferably masters thesis or published articles)

The deadline for applications is 7 May 2025. Interviews will be held shortly after the application deadline.

For any questions regarding the content of the call for applications please contact Professor Joscha Wullweber .