Senior Scientist at the Department of Geography and Regional Research

Founded in 1885 the Department of Geography and Regional Research is the oldest and biggest geography department in Austria. It is home to more than 90 researchers as well as general staff in 9 working groups, and 3,000 students. From the beginning, it has accommodated both human and physical geography. This interdisciplinary basis in social and natural sciences provides a dynamic and inspiring environment for researchers to address the grand societal challenges of our time.

Your workplace:

The position is assigned to the research group Economic Geography, which deals with theory-led, evidence-based, and policy relevant research on spatial aspects of innovation-based socio-enonomic sustainability transitions.

We are looking for an outstanding scientist who will contribute to the development of the ReSeT (Regional socio-economic sustainability transformation) Lab. ReSeT's purpose is to advance the analysis of innovation and transition processes towards sustainability as well as of the place-based and multi-scalar configurations in which such changes unfold. To do so, ReSeT focuses on challenge-oriented innovation systems and policies, green and just transitions as well as socio-technical-ecological transformations in different spatial contexts by applying a manifold set of empirical methods such as large-scale surveys, content analysis, case studies, action research, etc. The lab provides the research infrastructure that allows to conduct ground-breaking and impactful research, build up and strengthen connections to other research centres, attract research funding, and professionalize our exchanges with key practice partners in industry and policy making.

The position is initially limited to an employment duration of 2 years with a transition to a permanent position possible through mutual agreement from both sides.

Your future tasks:

• Research activities in the fields of economic geography, geography of innovation, sustainability transitions and similar
• Contribution to the development of the ReSeT (Regional socio-economic sustainability transformation) Lab
• Proactive participation in activities related to the ReSeT Lab, such as research in the field of geography of innovation and sustainability transitions, capacity building, networking, outreach
• Acquisition of national and international third-party funding
• Publishing in renowned international peer-reviewed academic journals
• Independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement
• Supervision of students
• Science management (e.g. participation in evaluation measures and quality assurance, involvement in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration)

This is part of your personality: 

• PhD / Doctoral degree in the field of Geography or a related discipline
• Professional competence in the field of geography of innovation and sustainability transitions
• Skills in qualitative and/or quantitative methods
• Experience in acquiring third party funding
• Experience in project management and science communication
• Proven ability to publish in highly ranked international journals
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Experience in teaching and supervising of students
• Willingness to contribute to science management

What we offer:

Work-life balance: You enjoy flexible working hours and - upon agreement - can partly work from home

Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team with an excellent research infrastructure.

Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport.

Internal further training & Coaching: We are constantly offering you the opportunity to expand and deepen your skills.

Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4,752.30 (fulltime basis / amount for 2024), 14x a year, increases if we can credit professional experience.

Equal opportunities for all: We look forward to every additional personality to the team!

It is that easy to apply:

• Letter of motivation
• Academic curriculum vitae (including a list of publications, a list of courses and a list of talks given)
• Description of research interests and research agenda (max. 3 pages)
• Contact details of people who could provide a letter of reference
• Academic and other relevant certificates
• Via our job portal/ Apply now -  button