Two Researchers (m/f/d) for the Research Department I "International Security"

Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF),
member of the Leibniz Association

The Peace Research Institute Frankfurt (PRIF) is a foundation under public law. With over 80 employees, PRIF is currently the largest peace and conflict research institute in Germany. The Research Department I “International Security” is seeking to employ from June 1, 2023, or at the earliest possible date thereafter

Two researchers (m/f/d)
in full time (100%), salary scale E 13 TV-H.

The positions are offered on a fixed-term basis until March 31, 2026 (under the terms of the WissZVG), with a possible extension until 31 December, 2026. The positions are part of the Research Group on Chemical and Biological Weapons Control to be established within the new Cluster for Natural and Technical Science Arms Control Research (CNTR). The Cluster is being set up by PRIF in cooperation with the Technical University Darmstadt and Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office. The Research Group on CBW control is led by Prof. Dr. P. R. Schreiner (JLU, Institute of Organic Chemistry) and Dr. U. Jakob (PRIF). It aims to scrutinize current issues in biological and chemical weapons control in an interdisciplinary way from the perspectives of natural, technical and political sciences and to develop technologically-informed policy options. Your responsibilities include:

• Research at the intersection of the natural science and peace and conflict studies;
• Scientifically based research on the disarmament and non-proliferation of biological and/or chemical weapons, including the examination of relevant chemical compounds or biological agents for risk assessment;
• Monitoring of relevant scientific and technological developments;
• Tracking these developments through a Technology Monitor;
• Contributing to the organization of relevant workshops and conferences;
• Publication of research results for various audiences;
• Participation in research on cross-cutting issues within the Cluster;
• Cooperation with colleagues at the Cluster, at PRIF and at JLU;
• Support for the local, national, and international networking activities of the Research Group, the Cluster and all partners.

In addition, we expect willingness to cooperate in an interdisciplinary context and to communicate research results to the political and general public. We also expect participation in the committees and overall work contexts of PRIF and JLU. As applicant, you should fulfill the following requirements:

• Above-average degree in pertinent sub-disciplines of chemistry, biology, biochemistry, or equivalent professional experience;
• Ideally above-average doctorate or equivalent professional experience;
• Research interests in the area of chemical and biological weapons control and disarmament or biological/chemical security, protection and defense;
• Relevant experience in the synthesis and characterization of substances, investigation of their properties, spectroscopic evidence; ability to handle small sample quantities and reactive intermediates; or:
• Relevant experience in microbiology, molecular biology or genetics or other pertinent subfields of biology or life sciences;
• Willingness to work and cooperate in interdisciplinary project teams and to engage with political research questions;
• Very good spoken and written command of English.

Knowledge of German is not a prerequisite, but it is expected that the applicant shows willingness to try to acquire German language skills within the next one to two years. You can expect:

• Family-friendly working hours and the possibility to partially work remotely;
• An interesting and varied workplace with affiliations at PRIF and JLU;
• A motivated and committed team;
• An interdisciplinary and international project setting;
• Internal and external training opportunities;
• The opportunity for scientific research and further academic qualification;
• Teaching opportunities;
• Occupational pension scheme (“VBL”);

PRIF is a recipient of the Total E-Quality award and seeks to promote equal representation in the work force at all levels and work/life balance. JLU aims to employ more women in academic research. We therefore particularly encourage female candidates to apply. In the case of equal qualification, applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference. Please send your application documents, including a complete CV (without photo), certificates, references, and a concise outline of your research ideas, in pdf format via e-mail to bewerber(at)hsfk.de. Please include the position code “CNTR CBW”. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2023. Unfortunately, application expenses cannot be reimbursed.