12 PhD Positions in Classical or Medieval Studies

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a traditional and research-intensive university in the centre of Germany. As a comprehensive university, it offers a wide range of subjects. It bundles its cutting-edge research in the Light – Life – Liberty profile lines. It is closely networked with non-university research institutions, research-based companies and well-known cultural institutions. With around 18,000 students and more than 8,600 employees, the university has a significant impact on Jena's character as a cosmopolitan and future-oriented city.

As part of the interdisciplinary Research Training Group 2792 "Autonomy of Heteronomous Texts in Antiquity and the Middle Ages", funded by the DFG, the Friedrich Schiller University Jena will be working on the following projects:

12 Positions for Doctoral Studies (65%, TV-L E13) as a Research Assistant in a subject of Classical or Medieval studies at the Faculty of Humanities, Law or Theology to be occupied.

The Research Training Group "Autonomy of Heteronomous Texts in Antiquity and the Middle Ages" investigates textual forms such as commentaries, paraphrases, compendiums, encyclopaedias, chronicles, collections, retold novels, and the like. In the RTG, we refer to such works collectively as 'heteronomous texts' because of their deliberate dependence on templates. They are to be examined across genres and disciplines to see how they develop their own 'autonomy' through the up-to-date selection and processing of their templates on different levels – scientific, cultural, formal, aesthetic.

Dissertations can be written in German and English in the following and possibly other disciplines: Ancient History; Old Testament; German Medieval Studies; Church; Classical Philology/Greek Studies; Classical Philology/Latin Studies; Medieval Latin and Neo-Latin Philology; New Testament; Philosophy (Antiquity, Middle Ages, Arab World); Roman law.

Our qualification concept supports you with compulsory and optional study offers and enables you to gain insights into the work of publishers, libraries, research institutions, etc. within the framework of paid internships.

Your tasks:

• Work on a doctoral thesis in the field of the Research Training Group
• Active participation in the study program of the Research Training Group on site

Your profile:

• An above-average university degree (master's degree, state examination, diploma, etc.)
• A historical focus in the course of study, depending on the conditions of their field of study
• Good knowledge of at least one language relevant to the dissertation topic (e.g. Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Syriac, Classical Arabic, Old Church Slavonic, Old or Middle High German or similar)
• Ability to work in a team, motivation and determination

Our offer:

• An excellent research environment in national and international networks
• Structured supervision of doctoral students through mentoring
• A comprehensive study and qualification programme
• Qualification, advice and service of the Graduate Academy of the University of Jena
• A family-friendly working environment
• Remuneration in accordance with the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the Länder (TV-L) in accordance with the personal requirements according to salary group 13
• 30 days of vacation in the calendar year plus two days off on 24 and 31 December

The employment is for a limited period of three years, with the option of extension for a further year if necessary.

These are part-time positions amounting to 65% (26 hours per week). Preference will be given to severely disabled persons who have the same aptitude, ability and professional qualifications. Women and parents are particularly encouraged to apply.

For your application, please submit the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (approx. 1–2 A4 pages) in which you explain your interest in the Research Training Group and, if necessary – but not necessarily – suggest a possible dissertation topic
• Curriculum vitae
• Zeugnis/Transcript of records
• List of courses attended
• Writing Sample (approx. 10-15 pages)
• If applicable, proof of involvement in research projects (research assistant positions, research funding programmes, etc.)
• two letters of recommendation from university lecturers

Please submit your application by 7 May 2024 exclusively via the online form, by clicking the 'Apply' button

Further information about the Research Training Group can be found at: www.heteronome-texte.de

If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, please contact the spokesperson of the Research Training Group:

Prof. Dr. Katharina Bracht (Church History): Katharina.Bracht@uni-jena.de

Prof. Dr. Matthias Perkams (Ancient and Medieval Philosophy): Matthias.Perkams@uni-jena.de

Please note our notes and information on the collection of personal data at: Data Protection and Information for Applicants