The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Germany. With its six Faculties covering a broad spectrum of disciplines and its internationally outstanding research profile areas, it enjoys an excellent reputation for its academic achievements and high standards of undergraduate and graduate education. The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences comprises six departments with about 180 professors and 9,000 students and is one of the largest faculties in the country. The Geography Institute stands out for its international visibility and consistently high positions in the German Research Foundation‘s rankings.
YOUR TASKS
The applicant should be internationally recognised in the field of economic geography with a focus on the effects of multiple crises on the Global South in teaching and research. This includes theory-driven empirical regional or social research and economic policy.
Active participation in the Geography Institute and in the Key Profile Area Global South Studies (including preparation for the next Excellence Cluster Initiative and collaboration on further joint applications) is expected, as well as individual applications for external funding.
The duties of the professorship include the education of students and training of doctoral candidates. The successful candidate is expected to participate in
teaching in the bachelor‘s and master‘s degree programs in geography (including teacher training) as well as in academic self-administration (e.g., committees and commissions) in German.
YOUR PROFILE
We are looking for a candidate with a doctorate in geography or a related field with a background in economic geography. The approach includes empirical work (e.g., the use of qualitative and/or quantitative methods in research and teaching), publications in international journals, and, if possible, experience in acquiring third-party funding. Experience in research and teaching related to the Global South (e.g. through relevant work in a corresponding region) and on crises (e.g., vulnerability and/or resilience research) is desirable.
OUR OFFER
The University of Cologne provides a stimulating academic environment with a wide range of career development opportunities as well as support services for dual career couples and family-friendly working conditions. The position (of a Juniorprofessorin / Juniorprofessor) is available as of 01.04.2026 [or at the earliest possible date]. Formal requirements are detailed in Section 36 of the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Hochschulgesetz – HG NRW).
This call for applications is part of the Federal and State Professorship Program 2030. It is aimed exclusively at scientists in the early stages of their careers.
In the third year after entering into office, an interim evaluation is held. This serves as the basis for the decision as to whether an extension for a further three years will be granted to the candidate. At the latest, a final evaluation is held in the sixth year after entering into office. On this basis, a decision will be reached as to whether the candidate will be given tenure at W3 level. Both evaluations are carried out according to the Regulations for Quality Assurance in Tenure Track Procedures at the University of Cologne. W1 professorships comprise a teaching load of four hours per week (i.e., two hours per week is one 90-minute course per
semester) in the first qualification phase and five hours per week in the second qualification phase. As a rule, W3 professorships comprise a teaching load of nine semester hours per week.
The University of Cologne is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Women are especially encouraged to apply and will be considered preferentially in accordance with the Equal Opportunities Act of North Rhine-Westphalia (Landesgleichstellungsgesetz – LGG NRW). We also expressly welcome applications from people with disabilities / special needs or of equal status.
Please submit your application (without photo) via the University of Cologne’s Academic Job Portal (https://professorships.uni-koeln.de) by 19.09.2025. Your application should be addressed to the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Applications should include a cover letter, CV, publication and presentation list, research program, third party funding, previous teaching courses and teaching concept, contributions to the scientific community and certificates.
Stellenmerkmale
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