Student Assistants / Studentische Hilfskräfte (SHK) Policy and governance towards sustainable land-use

10.12.2025

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 a European-funded project on

Policy and governance towards sustainable land-use
(in particular, regarding biodiversity and climate)

with around 20 to 40 hours per month.

You will support work in the EU-funded project PLUS-Change (https://pluschange.eu). You can find a short introduction on our blog pages: sustainability-governance.net/2023/06/26/plus-change-new-eu-funded-project-on-governing-sustainable-land-use-and-open-phd-position/.

Our research group uses meta-analytical tools to synthesize evidence on how governance arrangements and policy interventions impact sustainable land-use change. We aim to identify what kind of governance approaches and policy interventions have historically worked in what contexts to achieve a more sustainable land-use. To this end, we developed an analytical coding scheme that will serve to systematically code case study publications across Europe.

Your tasks:

  • Reading and coding publications by applying the code-book, 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).
  • In a later project stage: Analyse documents and interview data from case-study work in empirical case regions.

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 land-use planning, policy and governance 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.
  • Experience with MS Excel is an advantage.
  • Knowledge of statistical or bibliometric methods and experience with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) is an advantage.

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, cc xinran.wang@leuphana.de). Inquiries in advance are welcome via e-mail.

Application deadline: 18 December 2025. Interviews of short-listed candidates will likely held on 19 December 2025.