PhD position, Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography

Part-time (50%) position, salary based on German TV-L E13 pro rata

Duration: three years

Start date: as soon as possible

Established in February 2018, the working group at the Chair of Geography of Global Change conducts research and teaching activities at the intersection of social, environmental and institutional dimensions of climate change, urbanisation and other dimensions of global change. A particular emphasis is placed on theoretically guided, critical geographic research into the political ecology of climate change impacts and adaptation responses as they manifest at local and regional scales. Questions of urban climate justice, socio-spatial equity in multi-scale climate change policy and decision-making, and the institutional and political dimensions of urban and regional planning for climate change are central themes for the working group, as are inter- and transdisciplinary approaches that involve collaborative and action-oriented research with policy-makers, practitioners and academics from different disciplines and sectors. The working group is currently in its foundational stage and is recruiting a highly motivated PhD student with outstanding academic credentials who is keen to contribute to the development of the working group.

The successful candidate is expected to develop and conduct a PhD research project of their own choosing that is closely related to one of the above-mentioned research foci. The exact scope and outline of the dissertation is to be defined by the PhD student in collaboration with the Chair, who will be primary supervisor for the PhD project.

Requirements

• Master degree in human geography, urban or spatial planning, sociology or related discipline
• Excellent academic results
• Knowledge of and demonstrated practical experience with empirical social research methods
• Excellent knowledge of English and German 
• Demonstrated ability to write and/or publish in English
• Experience with / interest in transdisciplinary research
• Willingness to conduct substantial field work
• Strong desire to contribute to the development of a dynamic new research group.

The PhD position and working group is situated within the Institute of Environmental Social Sciences and Geography in the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Freiburg. The Institute and the wider Faculty offer an intellectually stimulating and vibrant environment for research and scholarly exchange. We are looking for a person with excellent interpersonal skills who is willing and able to engage proactively in scholarly discussions with other members of the working group, related working groups in geography, as well as with the Institute at large. The doctoral researcher will carry out research under the supervision of the working group Chair, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Fünfgeld, and will be required to contribute to the research and teaching activities in the working group. In addition, the successful candidate will also be expected to participate in collaborative departmental and networking activities, present her/his research on national and international conferences, and co-organize meetings and workshops.