Join our interdisciplinary team at the intersection of research, innovation, and societal impact!

We are looking forward to working with you.

The successful candidate will conduct rigorous research contributing to two cutting-edge Horizon Europe projects in Cluster 6: 

• NEMESIS, which makes innovative contributions to combating desertification and land degradation in the Mediterranean region through transdisciplinary Living Labs, participatory innovation processes, and multi-actor/ stakeholder-based governance and  
• LandShift, which develops an innovative, data-driven, and community-powered framework for climate-resilient land management across Europe.  

The successful applicant will co-develop, coordinate, and provide scientific support for sub-tasks within the project. The specific focus and combination of tasks will be adapted to the candidate’s expertise and profile and may include, among other things:

• contribute to the implementation of an ethics and Open Access policy for Living Labs and co-develop a Responsible Innovation Monitoring Framework,
• design and conduct participatory future workshops and social learning formats,
• develop and apply methods for inclusive, participatory knowledge generation and stakeholder engagement,
• facilitate interactive, multi-actor processes and methods for inclusive participatory and social learning.
• systematically consider aspects such as ethics, gender equality, transparency, and fairness in all Living Labs,
• (co-)develop and coordinate a digital educational offering for Living Labs (e.g., webinars, e-learning modules, videos),
• plan and implement regional training formats and stakeholder training together with project partners (e.g., on topics such as platform and digital applications use),
• contribute to transferring knowledge and co-designing (online) training activities and materials for key actors in the agricultural sector. 

Depending on the candidate's profile, the position can start in spring 2026, and it is limited to a term of 3 years. 

• Completed PhD or MA degree and additional project-relevant qualifications in Education, Sociology, Sustainable Agriculture, Technology/Innovation Studies, Political Science, or a related social science discipline
• Sound knowledge of participatory and qualitative methods (e.g. co-creation workshops, living labs, participatory action research, ethnography, focus groups, social learning)
• Experience in participating in research projects (at the EU level) and/or with transdisciplinary collaboration
  Knowledge of didactics, instructional design, and digital education, possibly with experience in adult education or e-learning is advantageous.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; German language skills are an advantage
• Ability to work in a goal-oriented manner in an interdisciplinary and international research context
• Independent, structured, and proactive work style, as well as strong teamwork and communication skills, and reliability

The successful candidate will collaborate with Prof. Dr. Sabine Hoidn (project leader) and her research team in EU cutting-edge research projects. The position is based at the Institute for International Management and Diversity Management (IIDM-HSG) and associated with the Chair of Sociology. We offer an interesting and challenging position in a stimulating and supportive environment with a vibrant team of researchers and excellent working conditions. The candidate will have opportunities to further their own research agenda and academic career, collaborate with other members of the SfS research group (e.g., joint publications, teaching), develop a strong academic network and is expected to (co-) apply for (additional) external funding. Funding for scientific conferences, additional training and research activities may be provided.  

Please apply with a copy of your most recent curriculum vitae (including current or expected degrees and results of all university or otherwise relevant examinations), a motivation letter describing the reasons for wishing this academic position in the given area (1-2 pages) and the names of two to three academic referees.  

For more information, please contact Prof. Dr. Sabine Hoidn (sabine.hoidn@unisg.ch).