Research for the Environment

The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ is a research institution within the Helmholtz
Association. It provides scientific contributions to the safeguarding of the natural basis of life and of human
development potentialities for current and future generations under the challenges of global and climate
change. In this way the UFZ contributes towards a sustainable development.

The Department of Urban and Environmental Sociology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research
GmbH - UFZ is offering a position for two years within the European Union funded Initial Training Network project
‘Advancing sustainable in situ remediation for contaminated land and groundwater' – ADVOCATE – for a

Post Doctoral Fellow (Experienced Researcher) (f/m)

code digit 73/2011

for the Work package 1 sub-project: ‘Socio-economic and sustainability aspects of in situ remediation’. Earliest start
date: 01.04.2012.
ADVOCATE (Advancing sustainable in situ remediation for contaminated land and groundwater) is a multidisciplinary
consortium of 20 academic and industry partners across 5 European countries, which will conduct research in basic
science, social processes and innovative technology applications in the field of in situ remediation
(www.theadvocateproject.eu). The network will provide high-quality training to young scientists.

Although elaboration and implementation of research in work package 1 will also depend on the Fellow's previous
experience and personal goals, one of the research areas on the ADVOCATE test sites will be the evaluation and
social acceptance of in situ remediation technologies, including the assessment of administrative and legal
frameworks. Research includes the investigation of administrative peculiarities and site specific practices of
stakeholders via in-depth interviewing and focus group meetings.
The responsibilities of the successful candidate include the following:
• Identification of key actors and applied technologies at two test sites in Germany and Belgium
• Discussion groups and interviews with stakeholders;
• Networking with partners of the ADVOCATE project to gain a better understanding of in situ remediation
technologies
• Development of guidelines for cooperation between scientists and stakeholders and to rank in situ processes
and remediation techniques

Applicants should have a PhD in sociology or a related field preferably with a specialization in environmental
sociology, urban studies and/or science and technology studies, and less than 5 years full-time equivalent research
experience since the award of their master degree. The successful candidate will complete a comprehensive
personalised career development programme, with targeted training measures and participate in a range of network
events across Europe. Participation in external relevant scientific and technical training events and conferences is
also supported.
Applicants can be of any nationality but at the time of selection must not have resided or carried out their main activity
(e.g. work or studies) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the starting date of the
fellowship.
The place of work is Leipzig, Germany. Salary and terms of employment will be in accordance with the Marie Curie
rules of the European Commission (http://ec.europa.eu/research/mariecurieactions/careers_en.htm).
Further Information can be obtained from: Matthias Gross, e-mail: matthias.gross@ufz.de
Please send your complete application documents including a CV, motivation letter and copy of certificates
under the code digit 73/2011 to the personnel department, P.O. Box 500136, D-04301 Leipzig, Germany or by
e-mail to application@ufz.de (deadline January 31, 2012).
The UFZ is an equal opportunity employer. Women are explicitly encouraged to apply for increase their share in
science and research. Physically handicapped persons will be favoured if they are equally qualified.