ARL – Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association, Hannover

The ARL – Academy for Territorial Development within the Leibniz Association is seeking to fill the position of

PostDoc Researcher (m/f/d)

– Pay grade 13 TV-L – working a full-time weekly schedule, on a fixed-term contract for 18 months – cost-neutral extension is possible.

The position is situated within the Justice First Project, an international and interdisciplinary research collaboration examining how energy transition planning can be made more just, climate-resilient, and socio-culturally embedded. Through comparative case studies across several countries, the project co-produces knowledge to support equitable and locally grounded energy futures. https://www.justice-first.org/

The position is hosted by the Academy for Territorial Development in the Leibniz Association (ARL), which brings together knowledge and expertise for sustainable spatial development. In the context of pressing challenges such as climate change and energy security, spatial perspectives are becoming increasingly important for shaping societal transformation. As a Leibniz institution, ARL works at the interface of academia and practice, connecting disciplinary perspectives, theoretical knowledge, and policy and planning action. ARL-Net | ARL-net

Your responsibilities

• Conduct research on energy poverty, energy inequality and/or socio-spatial dimensions of energy injustice
• Contribute to the analysis of heterogeneous infrastructures and their social implications
• Design and implement qualitative and quantitative empirical research:
• Apply and combine methods such as interviews, focus groups with surveys or other mixed-method approaches
• Use spatial methods where appropriate, including GIS-based mapping of energy poverty and related inequalities
• Engage with case studies in different regional contexts, including the Global South
• Contribute to research publications, project reports, and presentations
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary research environment

Your profile

• A Master degree in human geography or planning, social or political sciences, ethnology or a closely related field.
• PhD in human geography or planning, social or political sciences, ethnology or a closely related field with proven expertise in questions of environmental justice debates, energy geography or debates over (just) socio-technical systems.
• Ability to combine qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Familiarity with GIS and spatial mapping is an asset, especially for the analysis of energy poverty/injustice in spatial perspectives.
• International research experience, e.g. in or with the Global South
• Strong analytical, writing and communication skills in English, and possibly Spanish. A good command of the German language is desirable.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a research team.

We offer

• An opportunity to work on a highly relevant and internationally significant research topic
• A stimulating inter- and transdisciplinary research environment
• The possibility to contribute to theoretically informed and policy-relevant research
• Opportunities for academic development, publishing, and international collaboration
• A position under the TV-L collective agreement, including 30 days’ annual leave, a company pension scheme (VBL) and a contribution towards capital-forming benefits (vL)
• Teamwork and a supportive working environment
• Bright, modern premises and good public transport links
• Equal opportunities, inclusion and diversity (we are Total E-Quality certified)
• Support services for physical and mental health
• Emergency childcare and support for relatives in need of assistance

If you are interested, please submit your application, including a concise research proposal (2 pages) and relevant supporting documents such as a cover letter, a CV detailing your academic background, proof of your university degree and any other relevant certificates, by 11^th of May 2026 via our online form at www.arl-net.de/bewerbung

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dr Antje Bruns (antje.bruns(at)arl-net.de).

We are committed to equality of opportunity and diversity. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified. Further information on our values and the ARL as an employer can be found at: Working at the ARL | ARL-net

Application documents will not be returned once the selection process has been completed and will be destroyed in accordance with data protection regulations. You can find the relevant data protection information under Data Protection Information for Recruitment Processes (Datenschutzinformationen für Bewerbungsverfahren) on our website.

We look forward to receiving your application.