The Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS) invites applications for 7 doctoral researcher positions in its new Research Training Group (RTG) 2513 “Social Dynamics of the Self” (SELF), funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). BIGSSS is an international inter-university graduate school in the social sciences, located at the University of Bremen and Jacobs University Bremen, Germany. Successful applicants will receive a work contract for 36 months, based on salary scale E13 TV-L/TVöD (65%), at Jacobs University or the University of Bremen.
SELF will focus on investigating the interactions between individuals and their social environment, providing a platform for early-career researchers from various social science disciplines to study the self’s embeddedness in diverse social systems, ranging in complexity and dynamically changing over time. The English-language doctoral program will include a structured curriculum and close guidance by experienced researchers while at the same time fostering early academic independence and creativity by providing support for conducting, presenting, and publishing the PhD fellows’ self-chosen research projects.
The program is characterized by interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers from various fields, particularly psychology, sociology and political science. The research questions addressed in dissertation projects are envisioned to broadly correspond to seven project lines, but specific research questions are to be formulated by successful applicants. The project lines are:
- Cultures of honor
- Intergenerational identity development
- Self-efficacy, health and well-being
- Conflict between family and work roles
- Social participation and (early) retirement
- Individualization and social morality
- Collective identities in transition
Requirements
We invite applications from exceptional candidates with strong academic abilities and a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in psychology, sociology, or political science. Potential candidates with a degree in related disciplines are also welcome. All accepted researchers are asked to move to Bremen for the program as presence at the institution is required.
Applicants have to demonstrate a broad thematic fit between the dissertation proposal and the outlined project lines. Up to three possibly fitting project lines can be specified in the application.
More information on the members of the RTG and project lines, BIGSSS, Jacobs University and the University of Bremen, as well as the application guidelines can be found at www.bigsss-bremen.de/rtg-self.
Application and further information
More information about the RTG, the list of required application materials and how to apply can be found at www.bigsss-bremen.de/rtg-self/admissions. Applications must be submitted online until 1st February 2021. For additional inquiries, please check the online FAQ and feel free to contact our Admissions Officer at admissions-officerbigsss-bremen.de.
The program will start on September 1st, 2021. As equal opportunity employers, both universities follow an equal opportunities and diversity strategy. They strive to increase the number of women in academia and strongly encourage applications from suitably qualified female candidates. International applications are explicitly welcome. Disabled persons with the same professional and personal qualifications will be given preference.
