Job Position: Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Religious and Media Practices of Contemporary Muslims

In the Department of Religious Studies of the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Erfurt, Professorship of Religious Studies with a focus on Religious Media Practices, the following full-time position (40 hours per week) will be available as of March 1, 2026.

Re-founded in 1994 as a reform university, the University of Erfurt considers itself as a research-oriented university that is highly committed to international cooperation as well as innovation in teaching and learning, with a special focus on teacher-training programs. With its strong profile in the humanities, cultural studies as well as social sciences and education, it is a cosmopolitan place for academic debate on key social and cultural challenges.

Current research of the professorship of Religious Studies with a focus on Religious Media Practices at the Department of Religious Studies systematically examines processes of convergence in Muslim religiosity and media usage. Particular attention is currently given to texts, images, and videos produced by contemporary Muslim actors on social media platforms, as well as to their reception.

Area of Responsibility

• Research on the entanglements of religious and media practices of contemporary Muslims
• Independent academic qualification (post-doc / habilitation)
• Collaboration in the research contexts of the Professorship, particularly the Research Group Islam and Digitality and the Graduate Centre Glocal Religiosities
• Teaching (4 semester hours / 2 courses per semester)
• Preparation of a third-party funding application in the above-mentioned field
• Collaboration on publications and other knowledge transfer activities
• Participation in the organization of guest lectures, workshops, and conferences

Expectations

• An academic university degree and an above-average doctorate in Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, or a related field
• Academic visibility through publications, guest lectures, organization of workshops, etc.
• Proficiency in ethnographic methods, particularly participant observation and media ethnography, or the willingness to acquire these skills quickly
• Ability to work in a team and contribute to collaborative, project-oriented research; strong commitment to departmental collaboration, and a high degree of intercultural and social competence
• Experience in acquiring third-party funding appropriate to career stage
• Knowledge of German at C1 level
• Knowledge of English at C1 level
• Proficiency in the source languages relevant to the candidate’s own research
• Commitment to equity and inclusivity

The University of Erfurt promotes the compatibility of career and family/private life and supports flexible working hours. For academic staff, it offers a wide range of further training opportunities as well as coaching and mentoring as part of academic staff development (www.uni-erfurt.de/go/akademische-pke). In addition, there are numerous health and prevention programs as part of university health management.

Applications should include the following supporting documents: a cover letter, a brief research statement outlining current and future projects, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates, list of publications and university courses (if applicable), and two journal articles or dissertation chapters. Applications must be submitted exclusively online by September 25, 2025, via the application management system of the University of Erfurt. Applicants should also provide the names and contact information of two referees who may be contacted during the selection process.

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