PhD student (m/f/d)

The University of Bayreuth is a research-oriented university with an internationally competitive and interdisciplinary profile in research and teaching. The research field of the professorship for Social and Cultural Anthropology with a Focus on Africa is seeking to fill the position of a

limited to four years, part-time, start-date as soon as possible. Remuneration will be in accordance with pay group 13 TV-L. 

The PhD student will join a research group focusing on the critical analysis of contemporary ecological-economic fault lines, especially in African contexts. We investigate how knowledge about the environment and the economy emerges, circulates, contradicts itself, is contested, politicized and shapes the futures of collective life. The PhD student will contribute to research and teaching address the interfaces of economic anthropology, environmental anthropology/environmental humanities and postcolonial science and technology studies (STS).

We are looking for a motivated person to support this research field and to develop a doctoral project on economic-ecological topics, science, infrastructure, toxicity or digital life. Applications from the African continent are especially welcome.

Your profile:

• Very good master’s degree in social and cultural anthropology (or closely related subject)
• Very good knowledge of English and German or willingness to learn German (B2 within 2 years)
• Interest in the topics of the research area
• Solid knowledge of qualitative research methods
  
  

Other desired qualifications: 

• First research experience
• First experiences in scholarly publishing
• Proven ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Good knowledge of and/or strong interest in the research fields of economic anthropology, environmental anthropology, environmental humanities, science and technology studies (STS) and/or postcolonial studies
  
  

Your tasks:

• Developing and carrying out a doctoral project in anthropology
• Active participation in third-party funding applications and projects of the research area
• Teaching at BA and MA level in relevant study programs (1.5 courses per semester=
• Occasional administrative tasks in the department
  
  

What we offer: 

• Work in future-oriented and inspiring research contexts
• Varied, stimulating tasks and a friendly atmosphere in a creative, supportive and international environment
• Funds for conference participation, books and equipment
• Flexible working hours
• Attractive opportunities for further training and qualification (e.g. university teaching qualification)
• A good work-life balance and other public service benefits, e.g. JobRad (a bicycle leasing scheme), an attractive supplementary pension plan with the Federal and State Pension Scheme (VBL), a wide range of health promotion offers, e.g. health days, workshops, and the opportunity to participate in the university sports program
  
  

The University of Bayreuth values the diversity of its employees and is expressly committed to the goal of equal opportunities for all genders. Applicants with children are also very welcome. The University of Bayreuth is a member of the best-practice club “Familie in der Hochschule e.V.” (Family in the University) and has successfully participated in the HRK audit “Internationalization of the University”.  In case of equal qualifications, people with disabilities will be given preferential consideration.

Please apply online by March 28, 2025, quoting the keyword “WiMi_SKA_Afrika” via the application portal of the university

Your application should include a cover letter, CV, certificates (high school/A-levels, BA, MA), a 1-page outline of a possible doctoral project and a writing sample (e.g. chapter of the MA thesis). The documents will be deleted in accordance with data protection regulations once the position has been filled.

If you have any questions, please contact Prof. Dr. Sandra Calkins, E-Mail:
sandra.calkins@uni-bayreuth.de