Postdoctoral Research Associate in Economic Geography and Globalization Research
University of Munster
Germany
42,500 students, 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.
The working group Economic Geography and Globalization Research within the Institute of Geography in the faculty of GeoSciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of
The working group Economic Geography and Globalization Research within the Institute of Geography in the faculty of GeoSciences at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
(Akademische Rätin / Akademischer Rat auf Zeit, Bes.Gr. A 13 LBesO)
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 that contributes to the Economic Geography and Globalization Research working group’s research foci. This group seeks to tackle – in a collaborative and integrative way – questions in economic geography and globalization research from a critical, inter/post-disciplinary, and decolonial perspective. We focus on the following topics: the renegotiation of natural resources; food security/food sovereignty; global financial flows; digital technologies; alternative futures specifically in rural areas; and have a larger interest in reimagining what the “economy” means and is. We address these topics with the objective to critically engage with the question how we, as global humanity, can sustain our future on this planet, and what kinds of new, old, diverse, and plural approaches we can tap into moving forward. We are looking for a team member that actively and critically supports activities of the working group in research and teaching.
Your tasks:
• 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.). • Conducting own courses (4 SWS) and performing examination duties in the degree programs of the Institute of Geography, primarily in the field of economic geography and globalization research
• Co-supervision of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses
• Active participation in the activities and responsibilities of the mid-level faculty and in commissions of the Institute of Geography.
• 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.). • Conducting own courses (4 SWS) and performing examination duties in the degree programs of the Institute of Geography, primarily in the field of economic geography and globalization research
• Co-supervision of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral theses
• Active participation 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 the areas of 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 the areas of 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 above by the working group.
• Interest in and a willingness to work in a diverse, inter/post-disciplinary, and collaborative team is essential.
• Command of languages (excellent English; sufficient German for the teaching and mid-level faculty responsibilities described above; additional languages for conducting fieldwork within the research project).
• Experience with social science research methods, especially qualitative methods.
• Strong research interests in the areas of 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 above by the working group.
• Interest in and a willingness to work in a diverse, inter/post-disciplinary, and collaborative team is essential.
• Command of languages (excellent English; sufficient German for the teaching and mid-level faculty responsibilities described above; additional languages for conducting fieldwork within the research project).
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.
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: geosek@uni-muenster.de
Kennziffer: 3.1_2025_08_01
We look forward to receiving your application by 15 October 2025.
For further information or questions please do not hesitate to contact: Prof Sarah Ruth Sippel [sarah.sippel@uni-muenster.de]
In your application, please refer to Professorpositions.com
