The Carinthia University of Applied Sciences offers a wide range of study programs in the fields of technology, business, health  and social sciences. A common feature of all areas is the practical and application-oriented focus of teaching and research as well  as the close cooperation between public institutions, business and science. General information on our courses, research activities  and the organization of the university can be found on our homepage www.fh-kaernten.at.

The UNESCO Chair for Management of Conservation Areas (MCA), established in 2020, aims to contribute to the global network of UNESCO Chairs by advancing the concept of “Nature Conservation in the 21st Century.”
As part of this mission, we are seeking an Environmental Sociologist to expand and develop the interdisciplinary work within our team.

The focus of this role is to explore and address the societal implications of nature conservation and protected areas through social science, human geography, and transdisciplinary approaches. The successful candidate will work on the existing project portfolio, ensuring its further development and implementation, while collaborating with a wide range of conservation areas, particularly UNESCO-designated sites, both nationally and internationally.
Find more information about the UNESCO Chair: www.cuas.at/unesco-chair.

This position offers the opportunity to strengthen the Chair’s interdisciplinary research and contribute to innovative solutions for conservation management.

Senior Researcher – Environmental Sociologist for Management of Conservation Areas (m/f/d)

Your Tasks

In this role, you will support and work on various ongoing projects, collaborate with our partners in different conservation areas to develop new projects in the field, and, in the future, establish and coordinate a small team dedicated to the Management of Conservation Areas. If interested, there is also the possibility to contribute to academic teaching.

• Active research work (acquisition, management and implementation of research projects, acquisition of cooperation partners)
• Ensuring the professional quality of research results and budgets
• Participating in the transfer of research results into academic teaching
• Publication activities in the field of your research
• Representing the department in research networks and networking with research and funding institutions

Your Profile

We are seeking a highly qualified social scientist (e.g., human geographer, sociologist, political scientist, or another discipline with proven record in social sciences) with an excellent research track record and a strong orientation toward nature conservation, particularly in the management, planning, and governance of conservation areas.

• A PhD in a relevant field or an equivalent qualification.

• At least 5 years of research experience in applied research or company, with a proven track record of publica-tions, academic research, and teaching

Your expertise

• Strong knowledge of conservation areas, especially UNESCO sites (e.g. World Heritage, biosphere reserves, geoparks)

• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative social research and transdisciplinary methods (e.g., interviews and qualitative analysis, stakeholder analysis and workshops)

• Solid understanding of key conservation policies at both national and European levels, with specific expertise in the "Rights of Nature Movement" (Pachamama) for an ongoing project, and good understanding of European directives.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in German are required; additional language skills are an advantage.
• Methods of transdisciplinary research and citizen sciences
• Advanced technical skills, particularly in geoinformatics, ICT, data management, and potentially Al, are desira-ble. Proficiency in standard software applications is expected
• Experience in academic publishing, editorial skills, and strong writing competence are essential.

Personal attributes

• Team-oriented with precise and reliable work ethic

• Ability to motivate project partners, funding bodies, and stakeholders

This position requires a dynamic and interdisciplinary professional who is passionate about advancing the field of conservation area management.

Our Offer

Carinthia University of Applied Sciences appreciates the motivation and great commitment of its employees and offers attractive and family-friendly conditions. You will join a dynamic and interdisciplinary team dedicated to advancing biodiversity research and sustainable conservation practices.

• Scope of employment: Full-time (with flexible working conditions).

• Contract duration: 5 years, ideally starting in October 2025 (negotiable).

• Place of employment: Campus Villach, Europastrasse 4, 9524 Villach.

• Minimum salary: €3,900.16 gross per month (for full-time employment), negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those underrepresented in academia.

Application deadline: 10th July, 2025

Application

Please upload your complete application documents via our homepage at http://www.fh-kaernten.at/jobs

Required documents:

• Letter of motivation
• Curriculum vitae incl. photo
• Proof of education and practical experience
• List of publications and PDF of 2-3 relevant publications

Expected timeline for the application process:

• Application deadline: July 10, 2025
• Online interviews: July 20, 2025
• Proposed start date: September 1, 2025 (negotiable)

Please note: We regret that we are unable to reimburse travel costs or other expenses related to participation in the selection process.

We look forward to receiving your detailed application.