Postdoc in “Climate Federalism"
University of Bern, Switzerland
80-100%, two years, with the option of a one-year extension

The Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research http://www.oeschger.unibe.ch/, together with the Institute of Public Law and the Institute of Political Science, University of Bern, Switzerland invites applications for the following position opening September 1, 2023, or upon agreement.

Federalist states bear different challenges and advantages when it comes to tackling climate change-related issues, be it mitigation or adaptation. Sub-national entities can serve as “laboratories” and “best practices”, and innovative solutions can be tested before they are vertically and horizontally diffused. However, without the necessary safeguards in place, such as a clear legal mandate and resources, responsibilities risk being shifted across levels, without significant action being taken. In this context, the question arises what criteria related to federalism (e.g., institutional frameworks, legal principles, nature, and forms of cooperation versus competition, role and competencies of certain actors and organizations) either facilitate or impede progress toward more effective climate policy and law in Switzerland.

The prospective PostDoc will answer this question by working at the interface between political science and law. Depending on the key expertise and main discipline of the candidate, the position will either be affiliated with the Institute of Public Law or the Institute of Political Science. The PostDoc will work closely and in inter-disciplinary fashion under the co-supervision of Dr. Charlotte Blattner (public law) and Prof. Dr. Karin Ingold (political science).

Profile of the candidate
The successful candidate holds a PhD either in political science or in public law, ideally with experience in federalist studies and environmental governance. The candidate speaks German or French fluently and is proficient in English. Experience in conducting interviews, coding or analyzing legal texts, and in-depth knowledge of the Swiss federalist system are a plus.
Details
Starting date is September 1, 2023, or upon agreement. Employment conditions and remuneration in accordance with the standards of the University of Bern, Switzerland. The salary ranges between 88,000 and 100,000 CHF p.a. (gross salary; ca 90-100,000 US$).
For further information please contact Dr. Charlotte Blattner (charlotte.blattner@unibe.ch).
Applications
All applications received before April 30, 2023, will be reviewed, and further applications will be considered until the position is filled. Please send your application documents as a single pdf including CV, motivation letter, an outline of the planned project (one page max.), and contact information for three references via e-mail to info.oeschger@unibe.ch.
Homepage: http://www.oeschger.unibe.ch/


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