Postdoctoral position (f/m/d)

At the Department of Geography, Heidelberg University, in the Transient Spaces & Societies Research Group (team lead: Prof. Dr. Tabea Bork-Hüffer), we are looking to expand our team as soon as possible with a:

Postdoctoral position (f/m/d)

The Transient Spaces & Societies Research Group examines the role of digital technologies in social inclusion and exclusion, in socio-ecological transformations and sustainability. The group seeks to advance fundamental research on the interrelations of humans, technology, and nature, while also contributing to the university′s third mission by collaborating with societal stakeholders to promote more inclusive and sustainable socio-digital futures.

This position is designed for qualified and motivated early-career researchers. It is initially limited to three years, with the possibility of an extension for an additional three years, subject to certain conditions.

Your tasks:

• Conduct research in the area of digital geographies or social science-based science and technology studies, in combination with one or more of the following: (critical) disability studies, critical cultural geographies, health geographies, human-nature-technology relations, gender geographies
• Play a central role in the conceptualization of a collaborative research project proposal
• Develop and implement research projects as part of the team
• Conduct and support transdisciplinary research activities
• Teach independently in Human Geography (6 teaching hours per week per semester, supervision duties may be considered)
• Supervise theses and conduct examinations in the field of Human Geography
• Pursue further academic qualification (habilitation)

Your profile:

Necessary qualifications:

• A PhD in Geography or in a related field such as Media and Communication Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Psychology, or Public Health, with a demonstrated interest in socio-spatial-digital relationships and a strong willingness to engage with geographic topics and debates
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative methods
• A collaborative approach and prior experience working in teams
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Examination authorization (Prüfungsberechtigung) or a willingness to obtain this qualification quickly

Advantageous qualifications: experiences with transdisciplinary research and science communication, proven ability to acquire relevant third-party funding, proficiency in German language skills.

We offer:

• An inclusive, open, and respectful work environment that values each individual
• Collaboration and mutual support within an interdisciplinary, international, diverse, and highly motivated team
• Support of a healthy work-life balance in a fair work environment: Flexible working hours and the possibility of part-time work from home (subject to university approval). We accommodate caregiving responsibilities with flexible hours, part-time work options, and the ability to adjust part-time employment as needed. We also ensure that workspaces are adapted to individual requirements and are committed to creating accessible work environments
• Opportunities for further training and building a professional network including funding for participation in national and international conferences
• Collaboration in the innovative research projects and international networks of the team including funding opportunities for mobilities to international partners

Remuneration is based on the TV-L 13 pay scale. Applications for recognition of previous work experience are strongly supported. This is a full-time position, but requests for part-time employment will be considered.

We look forward to receiving your application. Please include in one collated PDF file a motivation letter with a particular emphasis on your thematic profile and interests and past involvement in team work, a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a list of acquired third-party funding (if applicable), a summary of teaching experience (if applicable), a list with 3 referees including contact information. Additionally attach three of your sample publications as pdfs. Submit your application latest by 31.01.2025 via email to Brigitte Heine: brigitte.heine@uni-heidelberg.de.

For more information on the Research Group Transient Spaces & Societies, see: www.transient-spaces.org/. For questions regarding the application procedure, please contact Brigitte Heine: brigitte.heine@uni-heidelberg.de. For questions regarding the content, please contact: Prof. Dr. Tabea Bork-Hüffer: tabea.bork-hueffer@uibk.ac.at.

Heidelberg University stands for equal opportunities and diversity. Qualified female candidates are especially invited to apply. Persons with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are equally qualified. Information on job advertisements and the collection of personal data is available at www.uni-heidelberg.de/en/job-market.