The Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences at the University of Potsdam calls for applications for its DFG Research Training Group on “Wicked Problems, Contested Administrations: Knowledge, Coordination, Strategy” (WIPCAD). Wicked problems create conditions of high complexity, uncertainty, and ambiguity to which public organizations have to respond. The tensions emerging in this context can destabilize organizational structures and routines and call conventional methods of administration into question. Contestation occurs in various areas of organizational activity, from knowledge use and transfer to internal and external coordination and strategy building. The Research Training Group studies the interrelationships between wicked policy problems and the contested development of administrative practices and organizational structures, both within public organizations and concerning relations to civil society and the private sector.
The WIPCAD research program is based on systematic interdisciplinary cooperation between political and administrative sciences, organization studies, sociology and public management. It is underpinned by a qualification and gender equality concept that encourages junior scholars from both Germany and abroad to engage with neighboring disciplines; to conduct theory-based research; to acquire the necessary research skills; to gain international experience; and to prepare them for future careers in academia and in the public sector.
Scholarship recipients will participate in seminars and develop their own dissertation and research agenda within the scope of the qualification program. The language of instruction is English. Proficiency in English is required.
Applicants must hold a Diploma or a Master’s degree in political and administrative sciences, sociology or (public) management. Familiarity with organizational research is a plus and in exceptional cases, graduates with degrees from related fields may be considered.
Key selection criteria are the quality of the PhD proposal, how well it fits in with the overall thematic agenda of the Research Training Group, its innovative potential and its likely contribution to the existing state of knowledge in public organizations and administration.
DFG- and University-funded doctoral fellows will receive a monthly scholarship of €1,365 per month (€16,380 per year) plus €103 per month in grants (€1,236 per year) for up to 36 months, contingent on the successful completion of the first year. The Research Training Group can provide additional funds to support field research, travel, and conference attendance.
International students are strongly encouraged to apply. The Faculty strives to increase the proportion of women in the university and hence strongly encourages women to apply. Applicants with disabilities who are equally qualified will be favored. Applicants funded from other sources are welcome.
The WIPCAD research program is based on systematic interdisciplinary cooperation between political and administrative sciences, organization studies, sociology and public management. It is underpinned by a qualification and gender equality concept that encourages junior scholars from both Germany and abroad to engage with neighboring disciplines; to conduct theory-based research; to acquire the necessary research skills; to gain international experience; and to prepare them for future careers in academia and in the public sector.
Scholarship recipients will participate in seminars and develop their own dissertation and research agenda within the scope of the qualification program. The language of instruction is English. Proficiency in English is required.
Applicants must hold a Diploma or a Master’s degree in political and administrative sciences, sociology or (public) management. Familiarity with organizational research is a plus and in exceptional cases, graduates with degrees from related fields may be considered.
Key selection criteria are the quality of the PhD proposal, how well it fits in with the overall thematic agenda of the Research Training Group, its innovative potential and its likely contribution to the existing state of knowledge in public organizations and administration.
DFG- and University-funded doctoral fellows will receive a monthly scholarship of €1,365 per month (€16,380 per year) plus €103 per month in grants (€1,236 per year) for up to 36 months, contingent on the successful completion of the first year. The Research Training Group can provide additional funds to support field research, travel, and conference attendance.
International students are strongly encouraged to apply. The Faculty strives to increase the proportion of women in the university and hence strongly encourages women to apply. Applicants with disabilities who are equally qualified will be favored. Applicants funded from other sources are welcome.