University Professorship in Transformation Research in Economic Geography

University Professorship in Transformation Research in Economic Geography

We strive for universality, diversity and interdisciplinarity. With more than 26,000 students, three Clusters of Excellence, 5,000 members of staff, over 150 institutes and an outstanding infrastructure, Leibniz University Hannover offers an innovative environment for top-level education and research in a comprehensive range of subjects.

The Faculty of Natural Sciences invites applications for the following position within salary scale W2 of the Lower Saxony salary system (NBesO) with tenure track leading to salary scale W3 NBesO to be appointed at the earliest possible date: University Professorship in Transformation Research in Economic Geography

The position is limited to 5 years. Following a positive evaluation, the candidate will receive a tenured professorship (salary scale W3 NBesO).

The Position

The professorship is part the Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography. It is situated in the field of sustainability-oriented regional economic transformation research, i.e., it investigates regional economic factors affecting the generation, the use, and the spatial dissemination of sustainability-oriented innovations, the associated transformation of socio-technical systems, and the interactions with existing regional economic structures. The professorship contributes to theory development, empirical research, and policy, and conducts research in industrialized countries as well as in selected emerging markets of the Global South.

The professorship serves to strengthen disciplinary and interdisciplinary collaborative research and to increase the international visibility of economic geography research at Leibniz University Hannover.

Your Profile

Requirements include a completed university degree in geography or a closely related field, a doctorate, and additional academic achievements in the field of economic geography, as demonstrated, for example, through a habilitation or a junior professorship.

The successful candidate will possess an internationally recognized profile in fundamental research in economic geography. She/he has acquired competitive third-party funding (e. g. from DFG, Volkswagen Foundation, ERC, BMFTR, or similar organizations) and published in relevant international journals. The applicant will have experience in collaborative, international, and ideally interdisciplinary research, strengthening the research and teaching activities of the Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography (IWKG) as well as joint initiatives of the Faculty and Leibniz University.

The successful candidate will be expected to provide a diverse range of courses in economic geography, offered in German and English, including the Master's program in Economic Geography, Innovation, and Sustainability (M.Sc.), for students in Bachelor's, Master's, and teacher training programs, as well as for students from other disciplines. The candidate will also actively contribute to the further development of these programs, aiming for an inclusive and employability-oriented approach.

What we can offer you

LUH offers excellent working conditions in a vibrant scientific community combined with an exceptional standard of living in a modern city surrounded by nature.

In addition, LUH provides numerous opportunities for further education and training as well as many services to support families. The Dual Career Service at LUH is aimed at the partners of newly-appointed professors and provides support with career perspectives in Hannover and the surrounding region. As a central point of contact for international researchers, the Welcome Centre provides information, service and help on non-academic queries for you and your family concerning your stay in Hannover (e.g. official administrative procedures).

Leibniz University Hannover promotes equal opportunities, diversity and a balance between work and family life (Equal Opportunities Office). For this reason, female researchers are particularly encouraged to apply. Furthermore, we welcome applications from international researchers. Preference will be given to equally-qualified applicants with disabilities (Representative for employees with disabilities). Upon request, part-time employment is possible.

Further information

Candidates aged 50 or over at the intended time of appointment who do not already have civil servant status in Germany will be employed as regular members of staff.

General duties and employment requirements are specified in § 25 of the Lower Saxony Higher Education Act (NHG). For detailed information on employment requirements, please contact the Appointment Matters department.

Please send your application to the dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Stefanie Heiden, and submit your documents by April 8, 2026 exclusively via the appointment portal of Leibniz University Hannover at:

University Professorship in Transformation Research in Economic Geography • Hannover, DE