W2 Professorship for Human Geography specializing in the governance of urban and regional trans[...]

Overview

The Faculty of Geography and Geosciences at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum invites applications for the position of a Professor W2 (m/f/d) in Human Geography specializing in the governance of urban and regional transformation processes commencing at the earliest possible date. The holder of the position will represent the subject of Human Geography specializing in the governance of urban and regional transformation processes in research and teaching.

The future holder of the position will be responsible for research and teaching in the field of human geography with a focus on the governance of urban and regional transformation processes. The professorship is a central component of the Institute of Geography\’s focus area “Transformation of Metropolitan Areas” and plays a key role in the development of joint research projects with partners at the Institute, at RUB and in the University Alliance Ruhr with its competence field of metropolitan research.

The professorship is concerned with the theoretical and empirical research and teaching of governance structures and processes of spatial transformations of cities and regions, taking into account their embedding in different levels of planning (multilevel governance). A particular focus is on comparative research into the supporting and inhibiting factors of urban and regional development governance that is oriented towards sustainability, resilience and equity. Proven methods in qualitative and/or quantitative methods of empirical social research are required. A degree in geography is desirable, a doctorate in geography or a related subject with above-average results is required.

The holder of the professorship is significantly involved in the further development, organisation and teaching of the international master’s degree programme Redesigning the Post-Industrial City (RePIC) and teaches in German and English in the geography degree programmes: B.Sc., B.A. and M.Sc. with a specialisation in urban and regional development management. The focus is on the compulsory and compulsory elective modules in human geography, including excursions. The establishment of new co-operations within the framework of the international university consortium UNIC – European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition is desired. The supervision of final theses is a prerequisite.

We are looking for an outstanding researcher who will make an important contribution to the further development of the profile of the Faculty and the Institute of Geography. A high level of commitment to the further development of the Institute\’s focus on the transformation of metropolitan spaces and the competence field of metropolitan research in the University Alliance Ruhr is expected. The establishment and further development of co-operations with the section of Political Science at the RUB and the Faculty of Spatial Planning at the TU Dortmund University are particularly desirable.

Start: at the earliest possible date | Apply by: 2025-11-19

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and teaching in the field of human geography with a focus on governance of urban and regional transformation processes.
• Contribute to the Institute of Geography’s focus area ‘Transformation of Metropolitan Areas’ and foster joint research projects within RUB and the University Alliance Ruhr.
• Engage in theoretical and empirical research and teaching on governance structures and processes of spatial transformations, including multilevel governance; contribute to sustainability, resilience and equity.
• Apply and further develop qualitative and/or quantitative methods of empirical social research.
• Significantly contribute to the development, organisation and teaching of the international master’s programme RePIC and teach in German and English in B.Sc., B.A. and M.Sc. programmes with focus on urban and regional development management; supervise final theses.
• Establish new cooperations within the international university consortium UNIC – European University of Cities in Post-Industrial Transition; foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Positive evaluation as a junior professor, habilitation or equivalent academic achievement and willingness to participate in Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s self-governing bodies and university processes; meet appointment requirements according to section 36 ff. Hochschulgesetz NW.
• Internationally visible and networked research in the subject area, demonstrated by high-quality, peer-reviewed publications;
• Pedagogical aptitude and a strong commitment to teaching;
• Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary academic work;
• Willingness and proven ability to acquire externally funded research projects;
• Ability and willingness to engage in inter- and transdisciplinary academic work.

Further information

Complete applications (letter of application, CV, academic career, copies of academic certificates, list of publications, proof of teaching aptitude, teaching record, a statement of research and teaching interests, list of self-raised third-party funds) should be sent by 2025-11-19 via our online application portal.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across traditional boundaries. The university aims to create knowledge networks within and beyond the university.

The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. We favour a working environment with heterogeneous teams and promote the careers of individuals underrepresented in their areas. Applications from women are expressly requested. In areas where they are underrepresented, they may be given preference in case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are welcome.

Contacts for further information

Dr. Katharina Jockers
Tel.: +49 234 32 17487

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal. Please mention the reference number ANR5024.

Online application