The Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society (RCC) and the Munich Science Communication Lab (MSCL) are looking for a Doctoral Candidate in Environmental Humanities (TVL E13, 65%) to join its team. The position will start on 1 April 2023 or shortly thereafter. The position runs initially through 31 March 2026, which includes a six-month probation period. The MSCL is a non-profit joint initiative of scientists and science communicators that aims at bringing together research about and the practice of science communication. Its current research focus is on Planetary Health. The RCC is the largest Center for Advanced Study in the environmental humanities worldwide and hosts numerous international scholars working on environmental topics. Its working language is English.
The RCC invites applications for a doctoral candidate who will explore and critically analyze visual representations of planetary health (PH) within and across the domains of art, science, popular culture, and activism. PH is a concept that has emerged in the last decade; it forges interdisciplinary collaborations that draw attention to how anthropogenic environmental change at a global scale has impacted the health of humans and life on Earth.
The doctoral candidate is expected to focus their research and writing on the following questions: How have visualizations, maps, iconic photographs, and films shaped scientific and public understandings about the drivers and solutions to planetary health issues? How do such representations make visible or erase complex and contested environmental and social problems related to planetary health operating at multiple temporal and spatial scales?
Qualifications
Candidates for this position:
• must have an MA in anthropology, environmental history, environmental studies, geography, literary studies, philosophy, science communication, science and technology studies, or visual culture.
• be interested in pursuing these and related questions as part of a new initiative on Communicating Planetary Health in partnership with the Munich Science Communication Lab.
• must be fluent in English, with exceptionally strong English writing skills.
Candidates ideally have:
• some German language skills.
The RCC offers an attractive compensation package, based on the tariff contracts for public service, 65% of level E13, commensurate with experience, and 30 days paid vacation. Working hours are flexible, and the RCC offers a family-friendly working environment. The RCC can also assist, if necessary, with work permits and visas. As the candidate will be a state employee, they are required to have German health insurance and make contributions to the German tax and social welfare system. We especially seek applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and welcome applications from women.
To apply, please send your cover letter, CV (max. 4 pages), an academic writing sample (max. 2 pages), and the contact information of two references in a single PDF document to jobs@rcc.lmu.de by 1 December 2022.