Academic staff member – PhD position in human geography

Kant Research Center (KFS) at the chair of Early Modern Philosophy, which is part of the Department of Philosophy

Organisation/Company Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Department Kant Research Center (KFS) at the chair of Early Modern Philosophy, which is part of the Department of Philosophy Research Field Geography » Human geography Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 10 Feb 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Part-time Hours Per Week 29,25 Offer Starting Date 1 Apr 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number J2-2026 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its location in the Rhine-Main science region, the university can unfold to its full potential and showcase its innovative power and dynamism. Its status as a comprehensive university allows for multidisciplinary learning and teaching and has great potential for internationally renowned, interdisciplinary research. Almost all of its institutes are located on a single campus close to the Mainz city center – creating a lively academic culture for researchers, teaching staff, and students from every continent.

The position is to be filled at the Institute of Geography, Faculty 09 for Chemistry, Pharmacy, Geography, and Geosciences in the Human Geography working group.

In the Human Geography working group, led by Prof. Dr. Veronika Cummings, we deal with geographies of inequalities, particularly in cities and within migration and border regimes. Our theoretical and conceptual focus is on questions of responsibility, justice and ethics.

The job advertisement is aimed at individuals with a specific interest in current transdisciplinary debates and critical discussions relevant to human geography in the aforementioned subject areas.

• Independent research as part of the doctoral programme (development of a topic that is compatible with the working group's current research topics)
• Collaboration in the working group's international research and teaching activities in the fields of social-geographical urban research, transformation processes and migration (e.g. organisation of and participation in conferences, summer schools, networking activities, etc.).
• Teaching courses in human geography for 3 hours per week in the B.Sc., B.Ed. and M.Ed. programmes at the Institute of Geography at JGU
• independently conducting and evaluating written examinations as part of the courses and assisting with oral and written examination activities (including exam corrections)
• participating in the acquisition of third‑party funding
• Completed academic degree (M.A., M.Sc., or M.Ed.) in geography or another related discipline with above‑average grades
• Knowledge of qualitative methods of empirical social research or ethnographic methods
• A good command of written and spoken German and English
• A keen interest in spatial aspects of social phenomena as well as an enjoyment of highly interdisciplinary and theoretical and conceptual debates in social sciences and humanities
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Willingness to conduct empirical research, which may involve research stays of several weeks in the international project area, if applicable

In addition to the general requirements according to public services law, applicants must meet the recruitment requirements stipulated in § 57 of the Hochschulgesetz of Rhineland‑Palatinate.

Research Field Geography » Human geography Years of Research Experience None

Additional Information

• We believe in success through a motivating and appreciative culture, equal opportunities and diversity. That is why we promote open exchange, respectful interaction and competent leadership.
• Secure and transparent remuneration in accordance with the collective agreement of the federal states as well as additional benefits such as an annual special payment and company pension scheme
• Flexible working hours, 30 days' vacation and fair rules for balancing work and family life
• Homeoffice - proportionate opportunity for mobile working
• Located close to the city center of Mainz, the campus is easily accessible by all means of transport and with our subsidised Germany‑wide rail ticket, you have a lively and culturally diverse city within easy reach

Selection process

Are you ready for a new challenge and interested in this varied and responsible position? Then submit your complete application cover letter, CV, relevant (work) certificates (with German recognition if applicable), certificates and an outline of your proposed doctoral project, not exceeding 2 pages, by 2/10/2026 , via the “Apply now ” button.

Interviews for the selected candidates will take place in person in Mainz during calendar weeks 9 and 10.

Additional comments

The position is paid according to EG 13 TV‑L and to be filled by 4/1/2026 . The position is limited to a period of 3 years with the possibility of extension.

The position serves the purpose of academic qualification (doctorate).

JGU is diverse and welcomes qualified applications from people with varied backgrounds.

We aim to increase the number of women in the field of research and teaching and therefore encourage female researchers to apply.

People with severe disabilities and people with disabilities who are treated equally in accordance with Section 2 (3) SGB IX will be given preferential consideration if they are suitable.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Institute of Geography, Faculty 09 for Chemistry, Pharmacy, Geography, and Geosciences in the Human Geography working group Country Germany State/Province Rheinland‑Pfalz City Mainz Postal Code 55122 Street Saarstr. 21 Geofield