University of Bern
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Monday, August 1, 2022
The Institute of Geography (www.giub.unibe.ch GIUB) at the Faculty of Science of the University of Bern invites applications for a professorship in Geodata and Earth Observation.
Starting date is 1 August 2022. The initial appointment will be limited to four years. The transition to a permanent position on the Associate Professorship level takes effect following a successful evaluation by the tenure track committee.
Successful candidates will build a strong research program in the development of spatial analysis tools for geosciences and applications to research areas in geography or geosciences such as e.g., regional development, land use change, climate change, urbanization, natural disasters and diseases. Methodological developments may include machine learning, information mining, causal inference, geodata visualization and geostatistical techniques, among others. The candidates are expected to work with heterogeneous geoinformation sources (e.g., satellite-based earth observations, multiple sensors, mobile sensors, citizen science data, large repositories).
Commitment to excellent teaching and the ability to lead a research group are expected. Candidates are expected to substantially expand the existing digital curriculum in Geography to potentially include programming, machine learning, critical application/ reflection of big data techniques. Participation in existing teaching formats (including field courses, excursions) is expected. At the GIUB bachelor level classes are taught in German and graduate level classes are taught in English. The candidate is expected to be able to teach in German after three years.
We are looking for a researcher in the early career phase with a proven track record of academic excellence. Candidates should either hold a PhD in Geography, Geosciences and similar fields and have a (strong) background in IT or hold a PhD in information science with proven applications in Geography or Geosciences.
The GIUB offers an interdisciplinary and stimulating research environment, a competitive salary, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure. The professor is expected to actively collaborate with researchers at the GIUB, many of which have data needs and opportunities in the area of geodata. Knowledge transfer to and collaboration with other Institutes at the University of Bern is also desirable.
The application should include a letter of motivation, a CV, a research plan (max. 2 pages), a publication list, a description of prior teaching experience, a teaching philosophy and planned teaching activities (max. 2 pages), a funding history and a description of contributions to academic committees, associations or boards, editorial work, and outreach. In addition, the completed online questionnaire should be included (PDF to be found at https://www.geography.unibe.ch/questionnaire).
The application documents must be submitted by 1 December 2020 electronically in a single PDF file (<10 MB) to the Dean's Office (email: applications@natdek.unibe.ch), Universität Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, 3012 Bern, SWITZERLAND.
The application of qualified women as well as other underrepresented groups at the University of Bern is strongly encouraged. The University of Bern is an equal opportunity and family friendly employer and supports flexible hiring solutions. Job-sharing is an option. In case of interest in a job-sharing solution, the candidates are asked to contact the Office for Gender Equality at the University of Bern for further information.
For further information please contact Chinwe Ifejika Speranza (chinwe.ifejika.speranza@giub.unibe.ch)
Chinwe Ifejika Speranza