2 Post-Doc-Positions (TV-L 13, 100%)

6. September 2022 Maxi Wildenhues

Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB) is one of the leading research universities in Germany. As a reform-oriented campus university, it uniquely combines the whole spectrum of the major branches of science in one place. The dynamic interaction between subjects and subject cultures offers both researchers and students special opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Within the framework of the DFG-funded research training group

Documentary Practices. Excess and Privation (GRK 2132)

a vacancy for the following positions is available from February 1, 2023 at the Faculty of Philology at the Ruhr-University Bochum:

2 Postdoc positions (TV-L 13, 100%) (m/f/x)

The positions are fixed-term employments, limited to the end of the graduate research group on September 30, 2025.

The research training group deals with documentary practices as a central component of contemporary media cultures. In the second funding phase of the group, the aim is to develop a concept of ‘becoming document’ (Dokumentwerden), exploring the practices and technical innovations which produce and transform the field of the documentable. On the one hand, the research organized in the group takes into account the tendency towards an extensive inscription of the digital into everyday life, a development driven by digital technology; on the other hand, it problematizes the current politically motivated rejection of any truth based on documentary proof. The interdisciplinary study of documentary operations is pursued in four areas of work: “The Formal History and Theorization of Documentary Practices”, “Visual and Textual Cultures of Documentary Practices”, “Self-Documentation and Cultures of Affect”, and “Techno-Politics and Aesthetics of Documentary Practices”.

The research group is conceived as a structured graduate training programme for German and international graduates. The selection process takes into account the candidates’ academic profiles and their proposed research projects, which must be of exceptional quality, suitable for an interdisciplinary approach, and achievable within the funding period. In addition to 12 doctoral students, two post-doctoral students are employed at the college, who not only promote their own post-doctoral project, but also support the work of the doctoral students with their expertise.

Further information on the research and study programme of the DFG research training group can be found at: http://www.rub.de/das-dokumentarische

Your tasks

development of your own research project within the topic area of the research group. We are striving to win a literary research project for one of the two advertised positions.
active involvement in the planning, design and delivery of the research and study programme, and the workshops of the research group; esp. the leading preparation of a larger interdisciplinary conference, which is to take place in autumn 2024
involvement in and supervision of publications of the research group

Your profile

an above-average, completed doctorate in one of the subjects represented in the research group (media studies, film studies, literature, theatre studies, comparative literature or art history) and a willingness to develop a relevant postdoc project. Two different postdoc phases are funded in the research group: on the one hand, advanced-stage projects which can be expected to be completed within two years; on the other hand, new research projects which are just at the beginning and which can be developed to a stage suitable for further funding within two years.
an interest in interdisciplinary questions and in the areas of work of the research training group
a very good command of written and spoken English
an ability to work both independently and as part of a team; flexibility and dedication
experience of working in interdisciplinary, third-party-funded research associations is an advantage

We offer

support for your path towards academic qualification, in accordance with the German law on temporary contracts in academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz)
responsibility for an area of activity with great potential for creative input
numerous opportunities for personal career development
financial support for research trips, archive visits, etc.
the Ruhr-Universität also offers many forms of support for balancing family and work

Your application

evidence of doctorate, examiners’ report
CV with detailed presentation of your academic career and academic achievements (lectures, publications, teaching experience etc.)
presentation of the postdoc project (synopsis), max. 10 pages, with a timeline, work plan, and a statement on how the proposed project fits into the structure of the research programme and its areas of work
Applicants from universities outside Germany will require the equivalent of the relevant German qualification and evidence of German language ability equivalent to DSH 1/TestDaF 3/B 2

Ruhr-University Bochum is committed to promoting the career of women, people of color and genderqueer applicants in areas where they are underrepresented. Applications are also welcomed from suitably qualified candidates with severe disabilities.

Please direct any enquiries to the group coordinator, Dr. Robin Schrade (das-dokumentarische@rub.de, Phone: +49 (0) 234-32-27008). Further information can be found on our website: https://das-dokumentarische.blogs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/en/

All applications must be submitted in electronic form (in one PDF file, sent to bewerbung-grk2132@rub.de) by October 3, 2023. They should be addressedto the speaker of the research training group, Prof. Dr. Friedrich Balke, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, DFG-Graduiertenkolleg „Das Dokumentarische. Exzess und Entzug“, Universitätsstr. 105, 44789 Bochum, Germany.

The interviews are expected to take place in Bochum at the beginning of November. Unfortunately, travel expenses cannot be covered.