PhD researchers (m/f/d) for the project group "The Whiteness of Wealth Management: Colonial Economic Structure, Racism, and the Emergence of Tax Havens in the Global South (WOWMA)"

2024-03-11

Leuphana University of Lüneburg is a humanistic, sustainable, and action-oriented university that stands for innovation in education and science. Methodological diversity, interdisciplinary collaboration, transdisciplinary partnerships with practitioners, and an overall dynamic development characterize its research profile in the core areas of education, culture, management/technology, sustainability, and governance. Its international study model with the Leuphana College, the Leuphana Graduate School, and the Leuphana Professional School is unique in Germany and has received multiple awards.

For the project group "The Whiteness of Wealth Management: Colonial Economic Structure, Racism, and the Emergence of Tax Havens in the Global South (WOWMA)" funded by the European Research Council (ERC), the university is currently seeking two responsible, motivated, and committed individuals as:

PhD researchers (m/f/d)

(Pay category 13 TV-L, 65%, starting October 1, 2024, for a duration of 4 years)

Project:

The ERC project group WOWMA analyzes the influence of colonial economic structure and racism on the emergence of tax havens in the Global South. The group's working hypothesis is that colonial economic structure influenced the racialization of the population, the introduction of income taxes, and the longevity of colonial regimes dominated by white oligarchies. Tax havens emerged during decolonization primarily where the colonial regime, due to limited economic activity, had not introduced income taxes and non-white populations had comparatively few political rights. Continued rule by white oligarchies conveyed a sense of political stability to Western investors by favoring the involvement of white financial experts in the legislative process and mitigating concerns, often racially motivated, about expropriation by non-white post-colonial governments. To test the working hypothesis, project members collect historical data on economic structure, state capacity, and democratization on all tropical island jurisdiction worldwide. These data are analyzed through qualitative case studies and quantitative methods for causal inference.

Your Tasks:

  • Conducting an independent doctoral project within the research program of the project group.
  • Collaborating with the overall work of the project group, including research, organizational, and administrative tasks.

Your Profile:

Required Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economic History, or related disciplines.

Desired:

  • Excellent English language skills (writing, reading, speaking).
  • Excellent knowledge of either qualitative or quantitative research methods.
  • Experience with archival work.
  • Prior knowledge and interest in the political economy of colonialism, tax havens, racialization, and/or state formation.
  • International experience.
  • Advanced proficiency in French, Dutch, Portuguese, or Spanish.
  • Basic knowledge of the German language (desirable but not required).
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, take initiative, and develop ideas and solutions.
  • Willingness to undertake international travel.

Our Offer:

The project group and university offer a doctoral position (65%) for the duration of 4 years at pay category 13 TV-L, social security included. Field research is a core element of the group's work, and associated travel expenses will be covered. The project group and university also offer:

  • Integration into the Political Science doctoral research group and participation in the interdisciplinary doctoral training program of Leuphana University.
  • Access to doctoral training provided by the German and Danish universities and research institutions organized in the PhD Network (e.g. German Institute for Global and Area Studies, University of Southern Denmark).
  • Additional company pension scheme through the Federal and State Civil Service Retirement Fund (VBL).
  • Flexible and family-friendly working hours within a flextime frame from 6 am to 9 pm.
  • Flexible and family-friendly options for switching between on-site and remote work.
  • An inspiring work environment as part of the university community of researchers, educators, students, and staff in technology and administration.
  • A workplace at one of the most beautiful university campuses in Germany with an internationally renowned central building by Daniel Libeskind and the adjacent Wilschenbruch nature reserve.
  • Diverse sports offerings supported by the university, allowing one hour per week of sports during working hours for employee health promotion.
  • A subsidized lunch and dinner offer in the cafeteria.
  • A subsidized Germany-wide train ticket for commuting.

Your Application:

For inquiries about the position, please feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Lukas Hakelberg (lukas.hakelberg@eui.eu).

Leuphana University of Lüneburg promotes gender equality and diversity among its members. Applications from people with disabilities will be given preferential consideration if they have equal qualifications. Please also note our data protection information for applicants.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit it by 24 May 2024, digitally (compiled in a single PDF file) ) or by post to:

Leuphana University Lüneburg
Human Resources / Application Management
Keyword: WOWMA
Universitätsallee 1
21335 Lüneburg

bewerbung@leuphana.de

Your application should include:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae (without photo)
  • Research proposal outlining the dissertation project and its alignment with the research agenda of the project group (max. 3 pages plus references)
  • Copies of qualification certificates and transcripts
  • Names of two referees (will be contacted only if the applicant is shortlisted)
  • Optionally, a publication if available