Researcher (m/f/d) 

Founded 30 years ago, BICC (Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies) is a non-university research institute with international staff. The Institute deals with a variety of global topics in peace and conflict research in international projects and, on this basis, provides policy advice and contributes to public debates.

We are looking for a

Researcher (m/w/d)

Full- or part-time / pay scale 13 TV-L / as early as possible / time-limited until 30 June 2025

BICC is looking for a part-time or full-time researcher to join its research team on forced migration and return. The return of displaced persons is high on the policy agenda of international actors, including those involved in peacebuilding and those working on return and readmission policies. However, the perspectives of the displaced themselves are rarely taken into account. The research project RE-MIG (return and belonging) examines the role and meaning that displaced people and returnees attach to the notions of return, how they relate to people at ‘home’ and at the place of living, and how their aspirations and hopes for the future shape their lives. We also explore the role of identity and the social boundaries that are drawn and re-drawn during violent conflict, political transitions and (re)migration. Using a qualitative and multi-sited research design, RE-MIG draws on extensive fieldwork in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and the Western Balkans. The project is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

By covering the Eastern European case in the RE-MIG project, you will ensure the effective delivery of tasks, produce high-quality research outputs in various publication formats, and effectively contribute to the dissemination of research results.

Your tasks in particular:

• Conduct empirical field research in the relevant project region (Ukraine, Poland, Moldova) and Germany on displaced Ukrainians, regional dynamics of armed conflict, and the implications of these dynamics for future and ongoing displacement and migration;
• Write academic publications (peer-reviewed journal articles, and other open source formats);
• Present research findings at various events (conferences, workshops) aimed at different audiences (e. g. practitioners, researchers, policymakers);
• Provide policy advice for practitioners and political decision-makers on the local and national level within the framework of the research project (e. g. via consutlations, writing policy briefs and reports);
• Establish a research network and closely cooperate with Ukrainian, Moldovan and Polish research institutions;
• Prepare and implement events (conferences, workshops, panels) that aim at disseminating the research results gathered within the framework of the project;
• Proactive participation in scientific activities and networking and transfer measures on the topic within the team and in BICC.

Your profile:

• A post-graduate degree (PhD preferred) in one of the following social science fields relevant to the position: Peace and Conflict Studies, Migration Studies, Refugee Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Anthropology, Human Geography, Area or Cultural Studies;
• Sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge of research methods and techniques relevant to the project subject area, demonstrated through relevant experience. Experience of working with social science databases. Experience of academic writing;
• Extensive knowledge of post-Soviet politics, society and geography;
• Relevant experience in international relations, including, but not limited to, peace-building, conflict resolution and other related areas, preferably in the post-Soviet geography;
• Knowledge of academic concepts related to migration, conflict, and other related terms;
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English (mandatory) and German, Ukrainian and Russian (preferable);
• Willingness to travel to the project regions, namely Ukraine, Poland and Moldova;
• Good communication and presentation skills and a solid intercultural competence complete your profile.

We offer:

We offer you the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary research and advisory institute that works across academic disciplines and is positioned at the nexus between research and policy advice. It provides staff the chance to establish/hone contacts and networks in policy as well as national and international research contexts. We attach great importance to the further qualification of our staff. Therefore, various paths of further education are offered at our institute.

The position is remunerated in accordance with the collective agreement for the public service of the federal states (TV-L) with pay scale 13 and includes the option of a company pension scheme (VBLU).

The position is initially to be filled for a limited period until 30 June 2025. It is a full-time or, optionally, a part-time position. The place of employment is Bonn.

We support the compatibility of family and career through very flexible working hours.

Applications from women are expressly encouraged. In those areas where women are still under­represented, they will be given preferential consideration in accordance with legal requirements if they have the same qualification, skills and professional performance as their male competitors unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor outweigh this.

We welcome applications from severely disabled persons. We also encourage candidates with a migration background to apply.

Please send your application with a complete set of documents (motivation letter, CV, proof of qualifications, job references, academic publications, etc.) solely by email to Ms Katrin Minnich (application@bicc.de). She will also be your contact person for the application process.

Please combine your documents into one pdf document and state 03_24 as the reference. Application files in any other formats cannot be taken into consideration. Applications are screened immediately after they are received. Interviews can therefore be scheduled at any time.

By sending in your application, you agree that the required data will be stored as part of the application process.

Publication: 31 January 2024