Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d) "Visual Regional Geographies"

The Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (Leibniz-Institut für Länderkunde, IfL) in Leipzig, Germany, offers the following position for a maximum of four years, starting as soon as possible:

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)

"Visual Regional Geographies" (100 % E 13 TV-L) (f/m/d)

for the development of new research perspectives and research methodologies related to "Visual Regional Geographies" (VisRegGeo). The position, in accordance with § 2 Abs. 1 Satz 1 WissZeitVG (German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act), is limited to a maximum of 4 years. It is full time but is also suitable for part-time employment.

The Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) analyses social processes from geographical perspectives and consults on sustainable and regional developments. It is the only non-university research institution for geography in Germany. As a member of the Leibniz Association, the IfL is jointly funded by the Federal Government and the Federal States. The IfL supports the development of its postdocs as they strengthen their research profiles and develop competencies aligned with their professional goals in research or research-adjacent areas.

"Visual Regional Geographies," a permanent institute-wide initiative, concerns how geographic knowledge and worldviews are shaped by visual representations and mediations (especially in combinations of texts, images, and maps and their analog or digital interfaces). It also concerns associated practices such as the development of digital methods for research and analysis. A core focus of the initiative is the ongoing digitization and indexing of the extensive visual collections of the IfL’s Archive for Geography and Central Geography Library to make them accessible and usable for digital research and transfer. In addition to the papers of key geographers, the institute’s collections include maps, travelogues, expedition reports, paintings and photographs from the late 19th century to the present day.

Your tasks

• Develop your own research project related to Visual Regional Geographies and collaborate with IfL colleagues to develop new project proposals.  The 2-page proposal submitted with your application must describe your project’s visual and/or digital research methods and your project’s relevance to one or more aspects of IfL research; projects that make use of our archival collections are particularly welcome.
• Develop your academic profile in the following ways: develop and evaluate multidisciplinary and multiperspectival approaches to the analysis of visual artefacts; present at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals; and develop an international network.
• Support the VisRegGeo coordinator in the establishment and strategic development of Visual Regional Geographies at the IfL, including organising meetings, workshops and events around VisRegGeo themes and methods.

We offer

• A limited-term position for up to four years in accordance with the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). The position is suitable for full- or part-time employment
• An exciting, collegial working environment with opportunities for creativity and national and international collaboration
• Support from IfL colleagues and external partners, whether the postdoc is pursuing further academic qualification (e.g., Habilitation) or preparing for a relevant alternative career path
• Attractive benefits, such as a partially subsidized Jobticket or Deutschland-Ticket
• Family-friendly work culture with flexibility and the option of mobile work in accordance with the IfL’s policy on work/family balance (up to 40% of work time each week)
• Salary in accordance with TV-L up to TV-L 13, VBL pension scheme

We expect

• Completed Ph.D. in geography or a related humanities/social science discipline or a binding written commitment to submitting the dissertation within one year of appointment. In the latter case an initial appointment will be made for one year; after one year, if the dissertation has been officially submitted within that time and requirements of the WissZeitVG have been met, the appointment can be extended for up to an additional three years
• Evidence of research experience thematically relevant to VisRegGeo, including the application of digital and/ or visual research methods, as demonstrated in peer-reviewed publications and presentations
• Familiarity with key issues related to visual regional geographies (such as digital humanities, digital history, visual and/or digital geographies) and ability to further develop relevant theory-based research perspectives and methodological contributions
• Grant-writing experience
• Experience in interdisciplinary teamwork, project management skills, and an innovative spirit
• Fluent English and German (at least level B2 or equivalent)

We would also value

• Research experience with archival collections
• National and international network with scholars in related fields
• Proficiency in other languages

Application

The IfL is committed to professional equality for all genders. We value diversity and welcome all applications regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation. Severely disabled candidates and candidates of equal ability will be given preferential consideration on the basis of equal aptitude, professional achievement and qualifications.

To apply, please send your complete application (cover letter, two-page project proposal, curriculum vitae, relevant certificates and, if applicable, a copy of a relevant publication) as one PDF of max. 20 pages with the subject line "Postdoc VisRegGeo" to: personal(at)leibniz-ifl.de

Please do not include a photograph in your application.

The personal data collected by the IfL for your application and its evaluation will be processed exclusively for the purposes of the application procedure on the basis of contractual measures in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 b GDPR. The data will not be passed on to third parties. Recipients are the responsible employees, the works council and, if applicable, the integration officer or the contact person for people with disabilities and the equal opportunities officer of the IfL. We will delete your application data six months after completion of the application process, i.e. after the advertised position has been filled or after we have decided not to fill the position. If you have any questions or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact personal(at)leibniz-ifl.de. You have the right to lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority. Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.

Contact                                  

Dr. Kimberly Coulter (k_coulter(at)leibniz-ifl.de)

With formal concerns regarding your application, please contact personal(at)leibniz-ifl.de