Research assistant

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) conducts high-quality research, offers independent policy advice, and promotes transregional knowledge cooperation and education at the intersection of ‘development’ and ‘sustainability’ with the aim of helping to shape a cooperative multipolar world for sustainable futures.

IDOS Research Department “Environmental Governance“ is looking for a

Researcher (m/f/diverse) - Position No. 2026-C-02

Part time 50%, 19,5 hours/week,

German public sector tariff, EG13 up to EG14  TVöD Bund according to qualifications

31.250 - 48.000 Euro gross (50%)

The position may be filled as of 01 January 2027 and is limited to three years with a possible option of contract extension. In the years 2028 and 2029 there will be the option to increase the position to 60%.

As a member of the IDOS water governance team, the researcher will do research and give policy advice on selected issues of water politics, policies and security, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries and potentially conflict-affected settings. Water security can be defined as “the availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods, ecosystems and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related risks to people, environments and economies”. Hence, work under this topic may focus on different dimensions of water security, including the policies, politics and governance of (i) surface and groundwater (over)use, (ii) wastewater treatment and reuse, (iii) water-related extreme events, (iv) access to sanitation services, and (v) transboundary and/or multilateral water relations.

We expect prior social science research and publication experience on at least one of these topics, a self-directed working style as well as flexibility to react to demands for policy advice. Next to research and policy advice, the researcher will co-promote IDOS’ networking and positioning on water security topics and is encouraged support third party funding applications for inter- and transdisciplinary projects in the field. A top-up of the position would rely on successful third-party funding acquisition.

If you have obtained a foreign university degree, please attach the database excerpt from Anabin to your application documents as proof of recognition of the degree by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK).

Qualifications and requirements:

• A Master degree, and preferably a PhD, with excellent grades in one of the following areas: social science including political science, economics, human geography or anthropology or sustainability science with a social science focus;
• Proven social science research experience in one or more of the above-mentioned fields of water security, demonstrated by peer reviewed academic publications (including submissions);
• Strong conceptual skills in fields such institutional analysis, multi-level environmental governance, political ecology;
• Experience with qualitative research methodologies in social sciences; mixed methods skills are an asset;
• Research or work experience in a low- or middle-income country context;
• Willingness to engage in policy advice and science communication; previous experiences are assets;
• Experience with third-party funding acquisition is an asset;
• Eagerness to work in inter- and transdisciplinary teams;
• Strong writing, communication, and organisational skills;
• Willingness and aptness to travel abroad, including countries with a tropical climate („Tropentauglichkeit“).

We offer:

• Flexible working hours with a weekly working time of 50%, 19,5 hours/week
• Possibility of mobile working (“Homeoffice” within Germany up to 60% per week, at least 40% of time per week in presence in Bonn)
• Possibility to use a subsidized Deutschland-Job-Ticket and good access to public transportation;
• Special annual payment in accordance with TVöD Bund “Collective agreement of the federal government”;
• Up to 30 days annual vacation plus 6 days company vacation;
• Trainings for further professional development; 
• Employer`s contribution to the company pension scheme at VBLU;
• Many more social and monetary benefits

We actively promote equality between women and men as well as the diversity of all people in our institute. Therefore, we welcome applications from people of colour, people of all nationalities, religions and beliefs, sexual orientations and gender identities, all age groups and people with disabilities. We are also looking forward to receiving applications from people with a family migration history.

IDOS is certified by the audit workandfamily – Compatibility of work and family.

For further questions, please contact Dr. Annabelle Houdret (Annabelle.Houdret@idos-research.de).

Applications with the position number 2026-C-02 must be submitted exclusively via application portal by 7 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST. Applications should include a:

• Cover letter, outlining motivation for applying;
• Curriculum vitae, including a full publication list and all relevant academic certificates;
• German employment letters (Arbeitszeugnisse) where available and two letters of reference, preferably included with the application. Where this is not possible, shortlisted candidates may submit them at a later stage. 
• You can attach a maximum of 4 files exclusively in PDF format. Please note the permitted file size of a maximum of 10 MB per file.

The expected date for interviews is 3 November 2026.

Our job advertisements are always directed at all people capable of working, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation, disability, religion and ideology, etc. Applicants are exclusively selected based on their qualifications. Errors in the given information and spelling reserved.