The University for Continuing Education Krems is a distinguished institution that specializes in providing academic continuing education. As a public university, it employs its expertise in teaching and research to address pertinent societal issues and customizes its study programs accordingly. With a diverse post-graduate student community of 8,000 individuals from 99 countries, the University combines its extensive experience in university-based continuing education with innovative approaches to provide exceptional quality in research and teaching on a global scale. The picturesque Campus Krems, situated in the World Heritage region of Wachau, is just 60 km from Vienna and offers a highly desirable location that adds to the university's appeal.

 

The Department for Building and Environment at the University for Continuing Education Krems is currently looking for a postdoctoral researcher for a position as an:

 

Assistant Professor for Sustainable Buildings and Neighbourhoods in Climate Change (m/w/d)

(Tenure Track)


30-40 hours/week

Advertisement No.: SB24-0031

 

General job description:

Climate change presents our society and future generations with massive economic, ecological and societal challenges. In Austria, the building sector is responsible for around 18% of greenhouse gas emissions (not including grey emissions), making it the second most emitting sector after transport. The annual land consumption, e.g. for buildings and infrastructure, also far exceeds the targets set out in the Austrian Government Programme 2020 - 2024. However, the building sector also offers a multitude of opportunities to respond to the incurring impacts of climate change and at the same time to strengthen and significantly support the achievement of key objectives of the European Green Deal. The task of this assistant professorship at the Department for Building and Environment is to acquire funding for and implement research projects and research-led teaching concepts on the topics of climate change adaptation, increasing climate resilience and optimizing the use of energy and resources in the building sector. This includes the decarbonization of buildings and neighbourhoods while considering life cycle aspects as well as the transformation to circular economy. In addition, building-induced mobility must be considered to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector for the necessary holistic approach. The focus is on the adaptation and transformation of existing structures, considering the systemic interactions between buildings, outdoor spaces and the users’ health and well-being.

 

After selection, a qualification agreement will outline the specific tasks and responsibilities of the Assistant Professor related to research, teaching and societal impact for the next years. It is expected that the successful candidate will develop a unique research profile during this time. After positive evaluation, a successful candidate will be awarded a tenured position as Associate Professor.

Your tasks:

  • Research on the topics of climate change adaptation and increasing social-ecological climate resilience, optimizing the use of energy and resources in the building sector and decarbonizing buildings and neighbourhoods
  • Teaching in these fields of research
  • Acquiring and leading research grants as Principal Investigator
  • Disseminating research results in peer-reviewed journals and to a wider public
  • Presenting research at scientific and professional conferences
  • Supervising of students and co-supervising PhD students

To be considered for the position, the following selection criteria must be met:

  • Completed doctoral degree, e.g., in architecture, civil engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, real estate, spatial planning, landscape architecture, sustainability studies or a related field
  • Scientific track record with publications in the fields of sustainable built environment in accordance with academic age
  • Experience in the application for and participation in research projects
  • Teaching experience in higher education institutions
  • Competences in gender and diversity

Desirable criteria:

  • Peer-reviewed publications
  • Experience as a principal investigator in research projects
  • Successful acquisition of third-party funding on national or international level
  • Practical professional experience in the field
  • Leadership experience
  • Excellent German and English language skills, equivalent to C1 proficiency

Your perspective:

The University for Continuing Education Krems is committed to supporting the successful candidate during the qualification period of four to six years. We will provide the necessary resources and opportunities to meet the requirements of the qualification agreement and obtain a tenured Associate Professorship. As such, the position of Assistant Professor is initially limited to four to six years, depending on the nature of the appointment. For part-time positions, the duration of the role is limited to six years.

The remuneration for this Assistant Professorship will be EUR 5,595.60 gross per month on a full-time basis § 49 VwGr. A2, Kollektivvertrag der Universitäten (collective agreement of universities). Higher salary may be agreed upon, depending on the applicant’s qualifications and experience. The successful candidate may work part-time (minimum 30 hours per week) and will be awarded a permanent position as an Associate Professor after the successful completion of the qualification agreement within the given time frame.

The University provides an innovative and modern working environment including the possibility for remote and mobile work, with excellent opportunities for further education through our own study programs. Our workplace health promotion and the University Sports Institute (USI) offer extensive wellness options.

Please note that all documents must be submitted in English. In addition to the standard application materials such as CV, motivational letter, and degree certificates, applicants are required to submit the following documents:

  • Application abstract (please use the provided template) which should include:
    • A brief overview of the Candidate´s research and teaching experience, including a record of publications and research projects
    • An outline of the candidate´s teaching experience including teaching evaluations if available
  • Concept outlining plans for
    • research (max. 2000 words)
    • teaching (max. 2000 words)
    • knowledge transfer (max. 2000 words)

 

We look forward to receiving your complete application package.

Individuals with disabilities who fulfil the necessary qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the University of Krems, we recognize the innovative potential of a diverse workforce and are dedicated to upholding diversity as a core principle.

 

We look forward receiving your application via bewerbung@donau-uni.ac.at by 16.09.2024.

 

If you have further questions, please contact Stefanie Vollgruber (e-mail address: stefanie.vollgruber@donau-uni.ac.at, telephone number: +43 2732 893-5535)

 

Supplementary data protection notice:

Your personal data disclosed in the context of the application will also be disclosed to external reviewers, who are bound to secrecy, for the purpose of assessing your suitability and will be stored by them for a maximum of 12 months after transmission of the review to the University of Krems.