The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile areas Light – Life – Liberty, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow. Through close collaborations with leading research institutions, innovative companies, and renowned cultural organizations, it advances interdisciplinary developments. With around 17,000 students and approximately 10,000 employees, it defines Jena as a vibrant, internationally connected city of science and innovation.

The Institute of Geography at the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena seeks to fill the position of a

Research Associate in Social Geography

commencing on January, 1st 2026.

We offer part-time position (50%, 20 hours per week), which is initially offered as a fixed-term contract for three years.

The position is assigned to the Professorship for Social Geography (Prof. Dr. Simon Runkel). The research of the workgroup Social Geography is interested in current aspects of societal change from a spatial perspective.

Your responsibilities:

• Support faculty teaching in the field of Human Geography (2 teaching hours per week/semester) with regular on-site presence during lecture period
• Support workgroup research in ongoing and future research projects in the field of Social and Political Geography
• Support the organization of studies and teaching and assistance with organizational tasks within the workgroup
• Opportunity for personal qualification in a topic within human geography (e.g., history of ideas, political theory, geography of religion, geographical research on social imaginaries)

Your profile:

• Qualified university degree (Master) in (Human) Geography or in a related discipline with a high affinity to social and political theories or philosophies
• Excellent knowledge of current debates and theories in human geography, such as critical social geography, political geography and/or geohumanities
• Proven knowledge in methodological approaches in geography and/or the humanities
• Excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken), very good German skills (both written and spoken), any other language skills would be desirable
• Willingness to relocate to Jena or the surrounding area

We offer:

• Attractive fringe benefits and occupational pensions (VBL)
• An exciting collegiate research atmosphere with considerable scope for creativity and international cooperation
• University health promotion and a family-friendly working environment with flexible working hours
• Salary in accordance with the terms of the collective agreement for the public sector of the Federal States (TV-L) in accordance with personal qualifications up to salary scale E13
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability.

Are you eager to work for us? Then apply by 15.10.2025 using our online form and include a short exposé outlining a possible qualification and research project with your application documents.