5 Doctoral Research Fellowships in Climate Change and Environmental Migration in a Historical Perspective

The Institute for the Advanced Study in the Humanities (KWI) is a research center jointly sponsored by the University of Bochum, the University of Dortmund and the University of Duisburg-Essen.  The Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society (RCC) is a joint initiative between LMU Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München) and the Deutsches Museum; it is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research.

The advertised positions will be part of a new project, “Climates of Migration: Climate Change and Environmental Migration in a Historical Perspective,” which is being funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).  The positions (still awaiting final approval from the Ministry) will run from October 1, 2010 to September 31, 2013.  The research project, “Climates of Migration,” investigates the connection between climate (changes) and migration in a historical perspective and thereby takes into consideration both climate and socio-cultural factors.  The research findings will be gathered through case studies and will be synthesized into a final research collection.  Archival findings will also be made available to the public through the Rachel Carson Center’s digital portal. 

We are looking to fill the following positions:

3 Research Fellows for the Institute in Essen – part-time positions (20 hours a week) and salary according to scale level TV-L 13

1 Research Fellow for the RCC in Munich – part-time position (20 hours a week) and salary according to German federal salary scale level TV-L 13

1 Research Fellow for the RCC in Munich – part-time position (20 hours a week) and salary according to German federal salary scale level TV-L 13 (starting on October 1, 2010 for 6 to 12 months).

Research Fellows will have time to work towards the completion of their own manuscripts.  The position will provide funds for conducting case studies and research-relevant travel. Coordination of the project between KWI and RCC will be conducted through regular meetings and workshops. The research fellows will also receive training in the area of historical climatology.  In addition, those fellows working in Essen will be involved in the ‘Climate and Culture’ research cluster.  The fellows working in Munich will have the chance to interact and network with renowned, international visiting scholars.  Both institutes offer their fellows a lively and inspiring research environment.

Minimum Requirements:

n  Master’s degree in history or a related humanities / social science discipline

Both the Institute for Advanced Study in the Humanities and the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society are equal opportunity employers.  Applications from women, minorities, and people with disabilities are especially encouraged.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, research proposal and all relevant diplomas by June 20, 2010 via email (with the subject line: Climates of Migration) to both of the following contacts:

n  Dr. Franz Mauelshagen (franz.mauelshagen@kwi-nrw.de), Kulturwissenschaftliche Institut Essen, Goethestr. 31, 45128 Essen, Tel: 0201-720-4161

n  PD Dr. Uwe Lübken (carsoncenter@lmu.de), Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society, Leopoldstr. 11a, 80802 München, Tel: 089-2180-72364