PhD and Postdoc Funded Positions in Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Evaluation at LMU München in Germany

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is a leading research university in Europe. Since its founding in 1472 it has been committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching.

About us: The research group of the Chair in Human Geography with a Focus on Human-Environment-Relations (Prof. Matthias Garschagen) at the Department of Geography works on risk, adaptation and transformation in the context of environmental hazards, climate change, urbanization and other dimensions of global change. The section develops, tests and applies inter- and transdisciplinary methods for the assessment of future development paths and risk trends as well as for the multi-criteria evaluation of climate change adaptation and transformation, particularly in cities and newly urbanizing areas.

While pursuing a global perspective, the section’s empirical research is particularly focused on Europe, Asia and Africa. Next to fundamental research, the section is keen to deliver scientific knowledge that is of high practical and policy relevance and provides decision support. The section therefore collaborates closely with decision makers and stakeholders from the local to the global level, e.g. urban administrations, United Nations programs and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

We are looking for you: Research and Teaching Associate with a Focus on Climate Risk Assessment and Adaptation Evaluation (m/f/x) in Munich

Your tasks and responsibilities:

• Support and contribute to ongoing research projects at the chair;
• Conduct teaching in the Geography Department’s BSc and MSc programmes in thematic fields related to e.g. natural and climate hazard assessment, disaster risk, social vulnerability assessment, urban development, sustainability transformations, Global South studies;
• Take a leading role in the development of scientific publications;
• Take a leading role in developing and disseminating outreach and communication materials;
• Support and contribute to the development of new research proposals in the field of climate risk and adaptation assessment;
• Organize and implement workshops and stakeholder meetings;
• Participate in national and international conferences as well as project events in Germany and globally;
• Contribute to the academic self-governance of the department and faculty.  

Your qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD/doctorate in geography or a related discipline such as spatial planning, environmental studies, sociology, economics or political sciences;
• Strong research track-record in any of the following fields: disaster risk, disaster climate change risk and adaptation, urban development;
• Strong publication track-record;
• Proven experience in teaching;
• Strong skills in qualitative as well as quantitative social science research methods;
• Strong skills in project management, workshop moderation and organization;
• Excellent English language skills (written and oral).

 Additional assets of interest:

• Experience in outreach and communication work at the science-policy-interface;
• Expertise in scenario analysis and/or modelling of future risk or development trends;
• Proven skills in transdisciplinary and participatory research methods;
• Experience in multi-criteria and feasibility assessments;
• Excellent German language skills (written and oral).

Benefits:

The initial appointment will be for one year. An extension thereafter is clearly envisaged, subject to satisfactory work performance and positive evaluation. Remuneration will be according to the German TV-L scheme, at the E13 level and a step commensurate with work experience. Further career development will be supported. The position allows for pursuing a PhD or habilitation.
The office is located in the centre of Munich, with excellent public transport links. Applications from suitably qualified women candidates are particularly encouraged.

Also possible in a part-time capacity. People with disabilities who are equally as qualified as other applicants will receive preferential treatment.

Where knowledge is everything.

LMU researchers work at the highest level on the great questions affecting people, society, culture, the environment and technology — supported by experts in administration, IT and tech. Become part of LMU Munich!

In the course of your application for an open position at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, you will be required to submit personal information. Please be sure to refer to our LMU Privacy Policy. By submitting your application, you confirm that you have read and understood our data protection guidelines and privacy policy and that you agree to your data being processed in accordance with the selection process.

Contact and application:

Interested applicants are invited to submit their applications by e-mail to s.elsaesser@lmu.de by Wednesday, 14 September 2022. Applications shall be compiled into one PDF document and include a short cover letter (max. one page), CV, list of publications, contact details of two potential references and a writing sample (i.e. most important scientific paper or part of a thesis). Questions might be addressed to Ms. Susan Elsäßer or Prof. Matthias Garschagen, via the above-indicated e-mail address. The interviews with short-listed candidates are scheduled for Thursday, 20 September 2022.