Director of Academic Programs in Environmental History/Environmental Studies (full-time)

The Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society (RCC) is looking for a scholar in the field of environmental history or related disciplines to join its team as Director of Academic Programs. The RCC is an international, interdisciplinary research institute located in central Munich, founded in 2009 as a joint initiative of LMU Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität) and the Deutsches Museum. The RCC aims to advance research and discussion concerning the interaction between human agents and nature, and to strengthen the role of the humanities in current political and scientific debates about the environment. By bringing together scholars who work in various disciplines and national contexts, and communicating the results of their research, the RCC aims to internationalize environmental studies and to raise its profile as a globally significant and growing field. The center supports more than 25 fellows each year. In addition, the RCC also organizes numerous conferences, workshops, and summer schools in Munich and abroad, produces several publication series, maintains an international doctoral program, and develops both the Environment & Society Portal and museum exhibitions. The center's working language is English.

The role of Director of Academic Programs has been newly created with the aim of strengthening and optimizing research in the environmental humanities at the RCC. The Director of Academic Programs will be responsible for conceptualizing and overseeing a range of RCC events and projects, working with the events team and external conveners to organize conferences. In addition, s/he will serve as a liaison for the fellows. The Director of Academic Programs may be charged with writing grants and proposals to secure third-party funding for new projects and programs; s/he will also teach courses in environmental studies at LMU Munich. Other potential tasks include initiating and coordinating strategic partnerships with related institutions and organizations, supervising interns, and representing the RCC at national and international conferences and events. 

The candidate must hold a PhD or equivalent and have demonstrable research experience in at least two different subject areas within the broader field of environmental history and/or other environmental humanities disciplines. Native-level English competency and computer literacy are required. Knowledge of German would be advantageous. Applicants should enjoy working with colleagues of diverse cultural backgrounds, be able to balance multiple assignments, and meet tight deadlines.

The position is a full-time (40.1 hours a week), in-house, service position. The position begins on 1 October 2012 and runs until 31 July 2015. It does not include paid time for individual research endeavors, and would suit a candidate who is looking to move into academic administration, or gain skills in management and coordination to complement a research career. The RCC offers an attractive compensation package including a yearly gross salary between 38,000 – 60,500 Euros (based on the tariff contracts for public service, level E13/14, commensurate with experience) and 30 days paid vacation. Working hours are flexible, and the RCC offers a family-friendly working environment. The RCC can also assist, if necessary, with work permits and visas. As the candidate will be a state employee, s/he is required to have German health insurance and to make contributions to the German tax and social welfare system. We especially seek applications from qualified individuals with disabilities and welcome applications from women.

To apply, please send your cover letter, CV, a 2-page academic writing sample (i.e. an expose of a current or previous research project, etc.), and the contact information of two references to Arielle Helmick, arielle.helmick@lmu.de by 15 July 2012. Interviews will take place in the first week of August 2012.

Position Announcement - Director of Academic Programs (pdf, 178 KB)