Research Assistant (PSA) - Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²), 3 positions

United Nations University Institute in MacauDresden

Stellenbeschreibung:

UNU-FLORES is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. It develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use and integrated management of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, energy, and georesources. Based in Dresden, Germany, the Institute engages in research, capacity development, postgraduate teaching, advanced training and knowledge dissemination to advance the Resource Nexus.

Within this context, the Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²) Cluster of Excellence initiative offers three positions in cooperation with the Chair of Business Administration (Sustainability Management and Environmental Accounting) at the Faculty of Business and Economics, TUD. The REC² cluster aims to create the scientific basis for responsible electronics through new material platforms, component concepts and integrated systems that realise sustainability in an ecological, economical and socially responsible way.

Responsibilities

Research and Innovation Development
Advance the Resource Nexus by designing, conducting and implementing research activities related to the project;
Perform sustainability assessments with a focus on the economic and ecological dimension;
Contribute to the development and publication of research outputs, including articles in peer‑reviewed renowned scientific journals, books, and policy briefs; and
Support with the design and analysis of questionnaires and case studies;
Education and Capacity Development
Support the supervision and/or provide guidance to students writing their Master’s thesis, as designated by the supervisor;
Assist with the Institute’s teaching activities, especially e‑learning and capacity development; and
Prepare presentations, tools and other materials, and support organization of capacity building activities, related to the relevant project/s;
Governance and Administration
Provide administrative and logistics support for the project activities;
Assist with the implementation of administrative regulations and policy framework relevant to respective activities and project;
Assist in providing timely updates and responses to partner organisations;
Provide organisational support to meetings with key stakeholders;
Sort, consolidate and process data, and enter it into relevant databases;
Assist in the maintenance of relevant research tools and platforms; and
Handle communication with external stakeholders;
Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact
Assist maintaining networks with stakeholders and research institutes in the context of relevant project/s;
Represent UNU‑FLORES in local and international conferences, networking events and science communication events, as well as within the non‑scientific communities, and present the knowledge acquired from the research, education and capacity development activities of the Institute, as delegated by the supervisor;
Support preparation of outputs to be shared on the UNU‑FLORES and other relevant platforms;
Assist translating research findings into actionable insights by publishing policy briefs;
Present research findings at scientific and implementation‑related conferences, etc.;
Promote the Resource Nexus approach and UNU‑FLORES activities through regular social media engagement and/or the creation of communication materials;
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Key Performance Indicators

Research and Innovation Development
Successful submission and publication of at least one peer‑reviewed scientific article as lead author of UNU‑FLORES on an annual basis;
At least one joint research product (e.g., paper) with academic institutions located in the Global South on an annual basis;
Contribution to at least one new collaboration in new regions or one new research topic in the area of research on an annual basis;
Consistent participation and presentation of research progress as per regular schedule, timely submission of progress reports, and maintenance of up‑to‑date project information;
Education and Capacity Development
At least five hours of delivered capacity‑building initiatives;
Contribution to at least one new collaboration in new regions or one new topic in the area of education on an annual basis;
Support to academic development of Master’s students completed;
Governance and Administration
Contribution to the positive reputation of UNU‑FLORES as a reliable and trustworthy partner among research partners, governments, donors and civil society;
Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact
Maintaining/participating in at least one active collaboration on an annual basis;
Contribution to at least one UN/Member State organised conference or policy‑dialogue on an annual basis;
Contribution to at least one event organised by the Institute with participation of policy makers on an annual basis;
Contribution to at least one public event and high‑level speaking engagement on an annual basis.

Qualifications

Education and certification
An excellent academic profile including a Master’s degree with a cumulative grade average of at least 2.5 or an equivalent according to the German system in Sustainability Assessment or Environmental Management Accounting, or a related field;
Required skills and experience
Any relevant experience; experience in electronics will be considered an asset;
Proven experience in quantitative data analysis (e.g., statistics);
Experience with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software solutions, such as open Life Cycle Assessment (openLCA), SimaPro, LCA for Experts or similar sustainability assessment software, as well as the databases ecoinvent or Sphera Managed LCA Content, is desirable;
Proficiency in empirical research methods, such as regression analyses and Structural Equation Modelling and related statistics software packages;
Understanding of systems thinking or resource interdependencies (e.g. energy, materials, water), ideally from a Resource Nexus perspective, is desirable;
Familiarity with circular economy, resource efficiency, or environmental policy frameworks is an asset;
Proven record of publications, including relevant academic papers, is an asset;
Experience in drafting complex reports, communications and presentations is required;
Basic experience in conducting trans‑/interdisciplinary research (e.g., research‑oriented master thesis, research, or consultancy‑related employment), including interactions with relevant authorities and stakeholders;
Strong planning, organisation and time management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in different contexts (e.g., academia, UN system);
Demonstrates initiative, strong conceptual abilities and sound judgment;
Must be flexible with the ability to establish priorities and work within prescribed timeframes;
An excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, as demonstrated by the ability to work in a multicultural, multi‑ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Language requirements: fluency in English is required; fluency in German is desirable; knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. The position may be offered at a working time ranging from part‑time (50 %) to full‑time (100 %). UN offers a monthly net salary ranging from 1,798 EUR to 3,596 EUR, depending on the working time and the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave for full‑time work, prorated for part‑time, and a health insurance scheme.

Duration of Contract

The initial contract duration is 1 year. The contract may be renewed subject to the project’s requirements, availability of budget and satisfactory work performance, with a combined maximum of six years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.