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 on January 1, 2023:

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

in an Ancient or Medieval area of research
within the faculties of Law, Philosophy, or Theology

The 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 on various levels (e.g., scholarly, cultural, formal, aesthetic) their pre-texts 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 History; Medieval Latin and Modern Latin Philology; New Testament; Old Testament; Philosophy (Ancient and Medieval Philosophy; Arabic Philosophy); Roman Law.

Our concept of qualification supports you with required courses and non-required electives and enables you to gain insights into the work of publishing houses, libraries, and research institutions, 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 program of study within the Research Training Group

Your profile:

• successful completion of a university degree with above average grades (Masters, 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 program of study and qualification
• qualification, consultation, and additional 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).

The appointment is limited to three years, with the option of extending it an additional year if necessary. This position is a part-time appointment rated at 65% (i.e., 26 hours per week).
Individuals with disabilities are given preference in instances where they possess the same aptitude, ability, and professional qualifications. Women and parents are especially encouraged to apply.

Along with your application please send:
•CV
•Transcripts
•List of classes you have attended/taken
•Writing sample (ca. 10–15 pages)
•If applicable, proof of involvement in research projects, funded research programs, or similar
•Two letters of recommendation from university instructors/professors
•Letter of interest (ca. 1–2 Din A4-page[s]) expressing your interest in the Research Training Group and if possible – though not necessary – a suggestion for a dissertation topic.

Please send your documents exclusively per email (combined as one PDF file), stating the registration number 223/2022, by July 17, 2022 to the Research Training Group’s email address: