Research Associate SP-WSB (m/f/d) - Reference: 12-2026 SP-WSB

The project aims to establish a long-term international partnership between the UWSB Merito in Wrocław (Poland), the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences (HSZG, Germany) and Hacettepe University (HU, Turkey). The aim is to develop and implement innovative education and research solutions in the field of sustainable development. The core of the project lies in linking empirical research on determinants of systemic risks with education for sustainable development (ESD). Methodologically, the project combines expert analysis with quantitative research in three countries to identify key determinants of systemic risk in different socio-economic contexts. The research results are incorporated into the development of practical, modern teaching and learning formats, including e-learning modules, a business simulation and international scientific exchange formats. This will be complemented by extensive mobility measures for university staff, which will sustainably strengthen the quality of teaching, international cooperation and SDG-oriented higher education.

As part of the project, the position holder (m/f/d) will work on the following tasks in particular

• Further development of a methodological approach to identify determinant factors for systemic risks (theoretical model/framework, literature review, empirical survey methods),
• Accompanying the implementation and evaluation of the empirical survey, especially in the German sample,
• Conceptual/content-related participation in the development of teaching materials: (a) online/elearning, 1 module, English, (b) business simulation/game, (c) online competitions,
• Participation in project meetings and conferences in Poland, Germany and Turkey.

The following knowledge and skills are required

• Completed university degree,
• Knowledge of risk management, sustainability management, UN Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) and approaches to competencies and ESD (Education for Sustainable Development),
• knowledge and experience in the field of empirical social research (development of model/empirical framework, qualitative and quantitative methods of field research, descriptive and inferential statistics, test theory),
• ability to independently develop modular teaching units based on curricular and didactic requirements,
• confident use of English (oral, written) at an academic level,
• experience in project work, project management and reporting, research data management.

We expect you to have

• Organizational and communication skills,

• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary and independent methodical manner,

• Willingness and interest in further professional and personal development,
• Commitment, reliability and flexibility,
• strong communication and teamwork skills.

We offer you

• an interesting and challenging field of activity,
• flexible and family-friendly working hours within the framework of the applicable service agreement,
• personal and professional development opportunities through targeted training and further education,
• attractive social benefits (company pension scheme, annual special payment, capital-forming benefits),
• company health management with offers for workplace health promotion and
• the opportunity to use a job ticket.