R&D Specialist in Environmental Economic Geography

About the FHSE

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (FHSE) at the University of Luxembourg brings together expertise from the humanities, linguistics, cognitive sciences, social and educational sciences.
People from across 20 disciplines are working within the Faculty. Along with the disciplinary approach a very ambitious interdisciplinary research culture has been developed. The faculty's research and teaching focuses on social, economic, political and educational issues with the common goal of contributing to an inclusive, open and resourceful society.

We invite applications for a Research & Development Specialist in the interdisciplinary project "Regenerative economies, generative practices and well-being in a post-growth transformation (ReGenerate)", funded by the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University of Luxembourg. The project is jointly led by Prof. Dr. Anna Kornadt (Psychology) and Prof. Dr. Christian Schulz (Geography) and brings together perspectives from lifespan developmental and environmental psychology as well as environmental economic geography.

The position is ideal for an ambitious early-career researcher who seeks to combine methodological excellence with societally relevant research, work in a highly supportive and international environment, and actively shape interdisciplinary theory on sustainable transformations and well-being. The successful candidate will join the Economic Geography Team within the Department of Geography and Spatial Development.

Your role

ReGenerate investigates how regenerative economic practices and sustainable attitudes emerge, are maintained and experienced across the adult lifespan, and how they relate to individual, organizational and societal well-being in post-growth contexts. The geographical scope of surveys and case studies will include Luxembourg and its neighbour regions.

Key responsibilities:

• Build-up an inventory of regenerative initiatives in the case study region
• Establish a typology of initiatives in view of a purposive sample for in-depth investigations
• Collaborate with and immerse into the daily practice of selected initiatives
• Contribute to interdisciplinary teamwork, empirical and theoretical integration across psychology and geography
• Take a leading role in the preparation and execution of interview series and focus groups
• Disseminate research findings to academic and non-academic stakeholders
• Actively contribute to the international visibility of the project through conference presentations and networking

Using an innovative multi-method design, the project integrates:

• Daily diary and ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approaches conducted by the Psychology Team
• In-depth qualitative and immersive fieldwork conducted by the geography team, assessing different types of regenerative practices, e.g. community supported agriculture, local exchange trading systems, repair initiatives as well as libraries of things

A key scientific contribution of the project lies in linking micro-level motivational and well-being processes with meso-level organizational practices and their spatial embeddedness, thereby advancing theory on generativity, sustainable transitions, social connectedness and well-being.

The selected person will support Dr. Nicklas Riekötter and Prof. Dr. Christian Schulz in the execution of the qualitative part of the project. The successful person will co-conceive and autonomously conduct field research, co-author high-impact publications, build interdisciplinary networks, and engage with regional stakeholders.

For further information, please contact Prof. Dr. Christian Schulz ()

Your profile

• Master's degree in human geography/social sciences with work experience in environmental economic geography and sustainability transitions
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods, e.g. semi-structured interviews, focus groups, stakeholder mapping
• Strong teamwork skills, scientific curiosity and a high level of intrinsic motivation for research
• Fluency in French, English and German is required

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Belval Campus
• Internal Title: Research and development specialist
• Job Reference: UOL08025

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