Scientific Staff (m/f/d) for the Centre for Urbanisation and Peripheralization (CUSP) at TU Munich

11.04.2025, Wissenschaftliches Personal

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is seeking outstanding candidates for multiple scientific staff positions to join the Professorship of Urban and Spatial Development run by Prof. Dr. Lindsay Blair Howe and the newly established Centre for Urbanisation and Peripheralization (CUSP).

About us and the position

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is seeking outstanding candidates for multiple scientific staff positions to join the Professorship of Urban and Spatial Development run by Prof. Dr. Lindsay Blair Howe and the newly established Centre for Urbanisation and Peripheralization (CUSP). These positions will focus on a research project investigating the urbanization and corresponding transformation of ecologies in West and Southern Africa, linking empirical research with design practices from a comparative perspective. CUSP aims to approach urban and peripheral spatial research through ethnographic and qualitative methods. We focus on the critical investigation of urbanization from a de/postcolonial perspective, with a strong focus on gender and urban inequality.

We are launching a project exploring the transformation of ecologies and its implications for people. It aims to investigate two key questions: 1) What kinds of urbanization processes can be observed at the intersection of human and more-than-human life?: and 2) What do these changes mean when considering political policies, regulations, and the everyday experiences of people living in these areas? We will analyze processes of de/re-territorialization that influence urbanization, as well as the corresponding processes of peripheralization that manifest in the spatial practices in and experiences of the built environment. The project particularly focuses on gendered and intergenerational aspects of extended urbanization and on articulations of inequality, for instance, in how housing is constructed, how resources are accessed, and how relationships to urban infrastructure are shaped.

To establish this project, along with the new professorship and CUSP, we are seeking multiple candidates to join us scientific staff at varying percentages. Openings include:

(Senior) Research Scientist (80-100%): We are looking for a highly qualified and motivated individual to lead the research project and play a key role in establishing CUSP. The senior scientist will also be involved in teaching responsibilities. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Ph.D. in urban studies, geography, architecture, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in ethnographic and qualitative research methods.
• A proven track record of grant writing and academic publishing.
• Experience working on urbanization processes in African contexts, with a particular focus on urban-peripheral dynamics.
• An interest in or experience with gendered and intergenerational dimensions of urbanization, political policies, and the built environment.
• Teaching can include lectures, seminars, and studio design, depending on the candidate’s experience and interests.

PhD Researcher (50%): We also offer positions for researchers interested in supporting the project. The ideal candidate(s) will:

• Be passionate about conducting empirical research in West and Southern Africa.
• Have experience or a strong interest in ethnographic research methods and urban studies.
• Contribute to developing the comparative framework of the research. The sites of investigation for the project will be selected by the project team collectively, depending on the successful candidate’s/candidates’ experiences and network.

The PhD/Researcher positions will support fieldwork, data analysis, and publication efforts under the professor and senior scientist's guidance. There will also be a limited amount of teaching involved in required, elective, or studio courses depending on experience and interest.

Research Associate (20-50%): We are also interested in hiring scientific staff whose primary aim is to position CUSP as a leader in linking urban theory with design practice. In order to build up CUSP’s purpose, profile, and network (primarily across Germany and South Africa), the ideal candidate(s) will:

• Be able to bridge across academia and design, for example, by operating a design practice, having studio/design teaching experience on the university level, or an extensive network in South/ern Africa.
• Have experience fundraising, and conceptualizing symposia and exhibitions.
• Experience publishing in both academic and non-academic outlets is desirable.
• A doctoral degree and/or extensive prior research experience in the region is desirable.

This position will require frequent travel to Johannesburg, in order to ensure cohesive development of CUSP’s position across Europe and Africa. Please indicate your current location and availability clearly in your application materials. CUSP currently works closely with University College London (UCL) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), so experience with one or more of these institutions is an advantage for this position, as is experience with managing social media.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds who are excited about contributing to a dynamic team at the forefront of urban research. The Department of Architecture at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our academic community. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, including individuals with disabilities and from underrepresented groups to promote a balanced and diverse environment. TUM strives to raise the proportion of women in its workforce and explicitly encourages applications from qualified women. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude, and professional performance. The positions are limited contracts for two years with the option to renew and compensation is based on the Collective Agreement for the Civil Service of the Länder (TV-L).

Application
Please submit a cover letter, CV, three references, and two publication samples via E-Mail at cusp.re@ed.tum.de.

We will begin evaluating applications on 20 April 2025 and will review until the positions are filled. If interested in studio teaching, please submit an additional optional portfolio. Interviews will be held and employment commence as soon as possible after the selection is made.

Technische Universität München
TUM School of Engineering and Design
Dep. Architecture
Professorship of Urban and Spatial Development
Prof. Dr. Lindsay Blair Howe
Arcisstraße 21
80333 München

For inquiries, contact: cusp.re@ed.tum.de

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Kontakt: cusp.re@ed.tum.de

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