Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster; Münster; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading university in Germany seeks a dynamic post-doctoral researcher in economic geography and globalization. This full-time, fixed-term role supports critical research focusing on sustainability and global humanity. Applicants should have a PhD in social sciences and experience in qualitative research methods. Responsibilities include developing independent research, teaching, and contributing to team activities. Applications are welcomed until October 15, 2025.

Qualifikationen

• PhD in the social sciences, preferably in human geography or related discipline.
• Experience with social science research methods, especially qualitative methods.
• Strong research interests in critical economic geography and globalization research.

Aufgaben

• Develop an independent post-doctoral research project.
• Support and contribute to broader research activities.
• Collect and analyse data for the project.

Kenntnisse

Social science research methods

Qualitative methods

Critical economic geography

Globalization research

Teaching ability

Language proficiency in English

German language proficiency

Ausbildung

PhD in social sciences

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

The University of Münster (42,500 students, 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration) fosters a vibrant environment with a high standard of living. The working group Economic Geography and Globalization Research within the Institute of Geography in the faculty of GeoSciences seeks to fill a fixed-term position at the earliest possible date.

We are offering a fixed-term full-time position (100%) for 3 years, with the possibility of an extension for another 3 years. Full-time employees are required to teach 4 hours per week during the semester. We are looking for a dynamic and inquisitive post-doctoral researcher who contributes to the working group’s research foci, approaching economic geography and globalization research from a critical, inter/post-disciplinary, and decolonial perspective. The group focuses on topics including the renegotiation of natural resources; food security/food sovereignty; global financial flows; digital technologies; alternative futures in rural areas; and reimagining what the “economy” means. The objective is to critically engage with how global humanity can sustain the future and to explore diverse approaches moving forward. We seek a team member who actively and critically supports the group’s research and teaching activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop an independent post-doctoral research project within the framework of the working group’s research foci.
• Support and contribute to the working group’s broader research activities.
• Collect and analyse data for the project and present results to the academic community (conferences, publications, etc.).
• Conduct own courses (4 SWS) and perform examination duties in the degree programs of the Institute of Geography, primarily in the field of economic geography and globalization research.
• Co-supervise bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral theses.
• Actively participate in the activities and responsibilities of the mid-level faculty and in commissions of the Institute of Geography.

Our requirements

• PhD in the social sciences, preferably in human geography, socio-cultural anthropology, global/area studies, or a related qualitative discipline.
• Experience with social science research methods, especially qualitative methods.
• Strong research interests in critical economic geography and globalization research; an interest in rural areas with a focus on the Mediterranean would be welcome.
• Experience in designing and conducting own courses in economic geography and in the approaches and perspectives outlined by the working group.
• Interest in and willingness to work in a diverse, inter/post-disciplinary, and collaborative team is essential.
• Command of languages (excellent English; sufficient German for teaching and mid-level faculty responsibilities; additional languages for fieldwork within the research project).

Equal opportunity

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions. We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

Application

To apply, please send the following documents (as a single PDF document) in English or German language:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Summary of intended research project (1,500 words)
• Copy of university degrees (original language is sufficient)
• Writing sample (e.g., master’s thesis, publication; preferably in English)
• Statement on how your background, and inclusion within the working group, will increase diversity within the academic community and the production of knowledge
• Names and contacts for 2 referees

to: Universität Münster, Fachbereich 14 – Geowissenschaften, Institut für Geographie, Prof. Sarah Ruth Sippel

E-Mail: [e-mail]

Kennziffer: 3.1_2025_08_01

We look forward to receiving your application by 15 October 2025.

For further information or questions please contact Prof. Sarah Ruth Sippel at [e-mail]