The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) is advertising the following position in accordance with the WissZeitVG (German Scientific Temporary Contracts Act) – subject to the final approval of the funding agency –
Working Group Coordinator (f/m/d)
Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA)
TV-L (collective agreement of the federal states), remuneration group E 13,
part time 50% with 20 working hours per week
fixed-term work contract from 01/01/2024 until 31/12/2025
The Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER) is a non-university research institute in the field of the spatial sciences and a member of the Leibniz Association. Our subject is the sustainable development and transformation of cities and regions in the context of the global human-ecological crisis.
Research assessment forms a crucial lever for the transformation of science systems with a view to strengthen their sustainability orientation. Contrary to the prevailing focus on quantitative evaluation processes, practices and metrics there is a need to acknowledge the diversity of research contributions, their specific qualities and impacts. This has long been recognized by initiatives such as the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) and the Leiden Manifesto. In 2022, the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) has been formed as an important step towards implementation. Together with diverse inter-/national partners, the IOER is leading a new CoARA working subgroup on the topic of "transdisciplinarity". It is part of the integrated Working Group "Towards Transformations: Transdisciplinarity, Applied/Practice-Based Research, and Impacts" (see: https://coara.eu).
Job-specific background
Transdisciplinarity is a critical and self-reflexive research approach that co-produces new knowledge by integrating different scientific and non-scientific insights in order to tackle complex societal challenges. Despite its crucial importance for transformative change, current funding and evaluation schemes reflect deficits and inconsistencies in assessing the specific qualities, preconditions and success factors of excellent transdisciplinary research. Therefore, together with diverse stakeholders the subgroup aims to co-develop interoperable standards and guidance for science organisations regarding call designs, proposal formats, assessment criteria, panel design, processes and reporting.
Expected skills and competences
You are a committed academic with a strong interest in sustainability, responsible research and innovation and/or related policies and practices. You will be working as a team member in the IOER directorate and in close collaboration with the Director and the Head of Knowledge Transfer. Your main responsibilities will be the management of the subgroup “transdisciplinarity” including co-production and dissemination of its deliverables, and coordination with the other two subgroups in the Working Group. Your background includes in particular:
- Completed university degree (Master's/Diploma), ideally also further academic qualifications such as a dissertation (PhD), in relevant scientific fields e.g. sustainability sciences; science, technology, policy (STP); other social sciences or humanities;
- Pertinent expertise regarding e.g. transdisciplinarity, evaluation and assessment, research policy or ethics, sustainability sciences;
- Experience in the coordination and management of collaboration processes and/or projects involving multiple and diverse partners;
- Expert academic writing skills as demonstrated by own peer-reviewed publications;
- Versatile and proficient usage of digital collaboration tools (e.g. workspaces, videoconferencing, creative boards, etc.);
- High interdisciplinary competence and preeminent ability to work in a team and provide collaborative leadership;
- English language proficiency (CEFR level C1 or higher); German language proficiency would be an asset;
We actively support researchers through qualification and career development measures, including continuous mentoring, as well as further training opportunities, e.g. in scientific methods and publications.
We offer
- Collaboration in a leading research institute of the Leibniz Association
- flat hierarchies and opportunities for participation
- creative and motivating working environment
- lively social culture and diversity
- openness and trusting cooperation
- family justice and flexible working time models
- equal opportunities (multiple Total-E-Quality certification)
- career planning and further education opportunities
- sustainability management
- job ticket
- additional protection through a company pension scheme (VBL)
The place of work is Dresden.
The IOER promotes professional equality between women and men as well as diversity, and is particularly committed to enable the compatibility of family life and professional career. Women are encouraged to apply. Applications from people with recognized disabilities are welcome.
Please send your application (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, diplomas, certificates of employment or references) in the form of a single PDF file as an e-mail attachment, stating the subject "CoARA" by 30/11/2023 to jobs@ioer.de.
