126 FB 1 Research Associate (m/f/d)

Research Associate (m/f/d)
(Pay grade 13 TV-L, 75%)

The Institute of Geography at the School of Cultural Studies and Social Sciences seeks, a research associate for the research project "Spice Routes in Crisis: Navigating Risks to Build Resilience/Sustainability in Global Spice Production Networks (SPRINC-GPN) as of 01.12.2026.

SPRINC-GPN investigates how environmental crises affect the sustainability and resilience of global spice production networks linking India and Germany. The project aims to understand how these risks are perceived by different actors along the value chain - from farmers in India to processors and retailers in Germany - and how these perceptions shape their adaptation and mitigation strategies.

SPRINC-GPN is part of the DFG Priority Programme "Sustainability and Resilience of Agri-Food Chains in Times of Multiple Crises? Towards a Joint and Critical Understanding (Agri-Food Chains)" (SPP 2575). The programme brings together an interdisciplinary research network that systematically integrates diverse disciplinary, methodological, and regional perspectives, enabling comparative research across different world regions.

This is a temporary, three-year position until 31.10.2029

Your Duties:

• Design, conduct, and analysis of qualitative interviews in Germany and India, as well as the preparation and analysis of a quantitative survey in India
• Preparation of project reports and scientific publications arising from the project
• Opportunity to work towards a PhD (during working hours)

Requirements:

• Completed university degree (Master's or equivalent) in Economic Geography or a related discipline (e.g., Economic Sociology or Development Studies)
• Experience in applying empirical social science research methods
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork in India
• Excellent written and spoken English

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience studying, working, or conducting research in the Global South
• A sound understanding of debates on resilience, risk, and sustainability in global production networks
• Regional expertise on India
• Excellent organisational skills, a proactive and self-motivated working style, and enthusiasm for geographical research and international collaboration

We Offer:

• Participation in an exciting and highly topical research project within a DFG Priority Programme
• Integration into an interdisciplinary, international, and collaborative research network, providing access to academic exchange formats, workshops, and professional networks
• Collegial collaboration in a committed and supportive team
• Varied and engaging work
• Intensive supervision of your doctoral research, including affiliation with the ECORISK doctoral research group

Osnabrück University is a family-friendly university and is committed to helping working parents balance their family and working lives.

Osnabrück University is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and the professional equality of the genders. We promote a culture of science and work that enables fair opportunities and a discrimination-free environment for learning, teaching, and working. In doing so, we strive for fair representation of all social groups among our staff and work to counteract underrepresentation.

Applications from people with severe disabilities and those treated as equivalent under applicable law will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified.

Please send your application documents as a single PDF file by 09.09.2026 via email to [email protected] , indicating "SPRINC-GPN Application" in the subject line.

For further information about this call, please contact Philip Verfürth on [email protected] or Tel. 0541 969 - 4032.

We look forward to receiving your application.