Head of the Department of Theory, Methodology, and History of Geography (f/m/d)

Leibniz Institute for Regional Geography (IfL) / Leibniz-Institut für Länderkunde e. V. (IFL)

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 in order 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. In addition, 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 research profile that includes work on theoretical and conceptual issues in geography as well as 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 with reference to existing infrastructures (collections, cartography).

We are looking for 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 in the subject area. Integration and teamwork skills are particularly important to us. We are also looking for a committed, independent personality who brings a high degree of initiative, implementation strength, and willingness to innovate.

Your responsibilities

• 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

We offer

• 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 (collective agreement for civil servants) 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

We expect

• 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 human geography
• Research experience and proven achievements comparable to a postdoctoral qualification at German universities
• Independently acquired, thematically relevant third-party funding in research; third-party funding in the transfer area is desirable
• Several years of experience in personnel management
• Experience in strategic planning, acquisition, and implementation of joint projects or in science management is an advantage
• Experience in presenting research results and in knowledge transfer
• Business fluent German and English, both written and spoken
• Willingness to undertake further training

Application

Please send your detailed application (cover letter, resume, copies of relevant certificates and documents, list of publications, third-party funding acquired and projects carried out independently, as well as any functions in the science system) and an outline of ideas for the further development of your own research profile, taking into account its realization at the IfL (maximum two pages), stating the reference “Department Head TMG” by email in a PDF document of max. 30 pages to: personal@leibniz-ifl.de

Please refrain from sending a photo with your application.

How we protect your data

The IfL is committed to gender equality. We value diversity and therefore welcome all applications, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Severely disabled applicants and applicants of equal status will be given priority if they have the same qualifications.