Profile

The chair of Human-Environment Relations at the Department of Geography, University of Munich, has an inter- and transdisciplinary orientation and studies the question of transition towards sustainability. Key issues thereby are the processes in Human-Environment Systems which are at the interface of individual decision-making, social structure, governance, and environment. The research fields tackled include sustainable resource management (e.g., energy, water, phosphorous); sustainable regional development; and sustainable value added chains. The methodological competences range from qualitative analyses to quantitative System Dynamics and ABM modelling, which are combined to analyze, model and steer human-environment systems in the above mentioned research fields.

The Post-doctoral researcher will cover the area of System Dynamics and/or agent based modelling. He/she should already have some experience in interdisciplinary research and acquisition of third party funds. Within the chair it is expected that he/she will (i) contribute to funding acquisition; (ii) contribute to the modelling research capacity of the chair; (iii) support the development of the Masters Program “Human Geography and Sustainability: Monitoring, Modelling and management”; and (iv) take over some administrative duties.

Requirements:

• PhD in geography, psychology, environmental systems sciences or other appropriate discipline

• Excellent knowledge in System Dynamics / agent based modelling of agent behaviour in relation to the environment (knowledge in Material Flow Analysis or LCA of advantage)

• Experience in empirical research

• Experience in interdisciplinary research

• Experience in acquisition of research funds

• Pleasure and involvement in the build up of a new chair in Human-Environment Relations

• Excellent English and good German knowledge

• Teaching obligation: 5hours/week in the area of Human Geography at Bachelor level and in the above mentioned Master Program.

The working place is located at Luisenstrasse / Gabelsbergerstrasse in the centre of Munich and easily accessible with public transportation.

Deadline for application: September 21th, 2012
Starting date: November 15th, 2012 or upon agreement
Length of employment: maximum 5 years, possibility of Habilitation (6 years)

Applicants are required to send their application files (Motivation letter, CV, publication list, 2 reference letters, and 3 potential referees) in electronic form in 1 pdf file until September 21th, 2012 to Prof. Dr. Claudia R. Binder (claudia.binder@lmu.de) and Heike Hofmann (heike.hofmann@geographie.uni-muenchen.de). For questions please contact Prof. Binder (claudia.binder@lmu.de).