Student Assistants GO-Chains – Sustainability Governance of Global Value Chains

2026-01-15

The Research Group Governance and Sustainability (Prof. Newig) is seeking to appoint

Student Assistants / Studentische Hilfskräfte (SHK)
(with or without Bachelor degree)

to support

Systematic literature analysis / case-based meta-analysis

in the project 

GO-Chains – Sustainability Governance of Global Value Chains

with around 20 to 40 hours per month.

You will support work in the Public Governance cluster of the GO-Chains project (https://www.go-chains.org/en/projekte). We study how new legal regulations of global supply chains – such as the German Supply Chain Act, the French Loi de Vigilance or the European Union Timber Regulation – are implemented, what challenges and scope for action arise for companies, authorities and those affected, and what ecological and human rights effects these regulations have along the entire value chain, especially in countries of the Global South.

Our research team uses meta-analytical tools to synthesize empirical evidence on how supply chain legislation has been implemented and to what effect with a view to improving environmental and human rights standards along supply chains.

Your tasks:

  • Screening of academic publications for relevance to our meta-analysis.
  • Reading and coding publications by applying a coding scheme, potentially drawing on support by current AI tools (ChatGPT, Perplexity, etc.).
  • Comparative analysis results, e.g. using regression analysis or other structured methods (e.g. QCA, depending on prior knowledge).

Work hours are mostly flexible. While office space is available, work from home is also an option.

Your profile:

  • You work independently, reliably, and conscientiously.
  • You demonstrate a high level of initiative and commitment.
  • Research experience in sustainability governance, especially on the governance of global value chains would be an advantage.
  • Empirical research experience in the field of sustainability governance is an advantage.
  • Experience with coding case study data is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of MS Excel, statistical or bibliometric methods and experience with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) is an advantage.
  • Fluent English; additional language skills (e.g., Spanish, French, Portuguese) would be an additional asset.

Please send your application (CV, very short motivational letter, copy of high school diploma and, if applicable, degree certificates, current transcript of grades) in PDF format to Prof. Dr. Jens Newig (jens.newig@leuphana.de, franca.buelow@leuphana.de). Inquiries in advance are welcome via e-mail.

Application deadline: 21 January 2026. Interviews of short-listed candidates will likely be held on 26 January 2026.