Head of the Department of Theory, Methodology, and History of Geography; f​/m​/d

Overview

The Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) is offering the position of Head of the Department of Theory, Methodology, and History of Geography (100%, permanent, up to E 15 TV-L) (f/m/d) to start as soon as possible.

The IfL’s mission is to conduct basic research in geography to highlight social and spatial change and provide knowledge for sustainable and regionally balanced development. As a member of the Leibniz Association and the only non-university research institute for geography in Germany, the institute combines research and knowledge transfer. The IfL is divided into five departments:
Theory, Methodology, and History of Geography;
Regional Geography of Europe;
Cartography and Visual Communication;
Central Library of Geography and Archive for Geography; and Administration.

The Department of Theory, Methodology, and History of Geography focuses on theory-oriented research in political and social geography, historical geography, the history of geography, and visual geographies. The department is involved in the further development of methods with a focus on qualitative methods and discourse analysis procedures, as well as working with historical source material. The IfL's current medium-term research program (starting in 2026) focuses on the analysis of spatial formations in times of geopolitical and geoeconomic upheaval, everyday negotiations of the local in the context of social transformations and polarized visions of the future, and practices and discourses of geographical knowledge production, to which the department will contribute.

We are looking for a researcher with a profile that includes work on theoretical and conceptual issues in geography and contributions to historical geography with references to the history of the discipline. This profile is to be further developed at the IfL, taking into account the strategic orientation of the institute and existing infrastructures (collections, cartography).

We are seeking a well-connected, internationally renowned personality who is very familiar with the German academic system, has international research experience and exceptional innovative potential in developing and establishing new fields of research, as well as skills and experience in acquiring third-party funding (including DFG, EU, BMFTR) and in managing projects and research teams. Integration and teamwork skills are particularly important.

We also look for a committed, independent personality with initiative, implementation strength, and willingness to innovate.

• Research orientation and administrative management of the Department of Theory, Methodology, and History of Geography
• Acquisition of third-party funding in the areas of research and transfer in the IfL’s subject areas, with a particular focus on topics in historical geography and the theoretical and methodological development of geography
• Close cooperation with the research and infrastructure departments of the IfL within the framework of the current medium-term research program, with opportunities to set your own priorities
• Publication of research results in peer-reviewed international journals
• Transfer in the sense of social consulting and science communication with corresponding publications
• Strategic and substantive participation in internal committees
• Representation of the IfL and the department externally as well as in national and international scientific networks

• An interesting and varied management position in a research institute of the Leibniz Association
• Opportunities for further training
• A contribution toward the cost of a job ticket
• Remuneration in accordance with the provisions of the TV-L based on personal requirements and qualifications up to pay grade 15 with an annual bonus, capital-forming benefits, and a company pension scheme
• A family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours and the option of mobile working within the framework of a company agreement on the compatibility of family and career

• University degree (master's, diploma, or similar) and doctorate, whereby one of the two degrees must have been obtained in geography with a focus on…