Friedrich Schiller University is a traditional university with a strong research profile rooted in the heart of Germany. As a university covering all disciplines, it offers a wide range of subjects. Its research is focused on the areas Light—Life—Liberty. It is closely networked with non-research institutions, research companies and renowned cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university plays a major role in shaping Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

Within the framework of the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2792 “Autonomy of Heteronomous Texts in Antiquity and the Middle Ages” funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), the following positions are being offered at the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena starting on January 1, 2025:

12 doctoral research positions (65%, TV-L E13)
as Wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/in (Research Associate)

in fields of research on Antiquity and the Middle Ages within the faculties of Law, Philosophy or Theology

The DFG Research Training Group “Autonomy of Heteronomous Texts in Antiquity and the Middle Ages” researches texts such as commentaries, paraphrases, compendia, lexica, chronicles, collections, retold novels, and more. Since these and similar texts consciously depend on other texts, we call them ”heteronomous” texts. These works will be studied across genres and disciplines with respect to how they process their pre-texts on various levels (e.g., scholarly, cultural, formal, aesthetic) through selection and actualization and thereby develop their own “autonomy.”

Dissertations can be written in either German or English within the following – and possibly even additional – disciplines: Ancient History; Church History; Classical Philology/Greek; Classical Philology/Latin; Medieval German Studies; Medieval Latin and Modern Latin Philology; New Testament; Old Testament; Philosophy (Ancient and Medieval Philosophy; Arabic Philosophy); Roman Law.

Our study and qualification programme supports you with required courses and non-required electives and enables you to gain insights into the work of research institutions, publishing houses, libraries, etc., all within the framework of paid internships.

Your responsibilities:

• work on your doctoral thesis within the subject area of the research training group
• on site and active participation in the research and qualification programme of the research training group

Your profile:

• successful completion of a university degree with above average grades (Master, State Examination, Diploma, or similar)
• a focus on history within the course of your studies, depending upon the requirements of the field of study
• a good knowledge of at least one language relevant for the dissertation topic (e.g., Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, Classical-Arabic, Old Church Slavonic, Old- or Middle-High German, or similar)
• the ability to work in a team, self-motivated, and determined

We offer:

• an excellent research environment within national and international networks
• structured doctoral supervision
• a comprehensive study and qualification programme
• qualification, consultation, and additional support services from the Graduate Academy of the University of Jena
• a family friendly work environment
• remuneration according to the provisions of the collective agreement for the public service of German states (TV-L) in accordance with the personal provisions according to the compensation group 13 (Entgeltgruppe 13)
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year plus two days off on December 24 and 31

The appointment is limited to three years, with the option of extending it for an additional year if applicable. This position is a part-time appointment rated at 65% (i.e., 26 hours per week).

Candidates with severe disabilities will be given preference in the case of equal qualifications and suitability. Women and parents are especially encouraged to apply.

Along with your application please send:

• Letter of interest (ca. 1–2 Din A4-page[s]) expressing your motivation for the research training group and if possible – though not necessary – a suggestion for a dissertation topic
• Curriculum vitae
• Degree certificate/Transcript of records
• List of classes you have attended/taken
• Writing sample (ca. 10–15 pages)
• If applicable, proof of participation in research projects, funded research programmes, or similar
• Two letters of recommendation from university instructors/professors

Please send your application by 7th May 2024 using our online form: