Doctoral Research Associate (75%) Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)

Universität Münster; Münster; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prominent university in Germany is seeking a doctoral research associate specializing in American literature. The role involves teaching undergraduate courses, contributing to research projects, and mentoring students while working towards a doctorate. Candidates should have an MA in English and a strong focus on multi-ethnic literatures or literary criticism. This part-time position offers flexibility and various institutional benefits. Applications are encouraged from all qualified individuals, with a commitment to diversity and gender equality.

Leistungen

Flexible work-time models

Attractive company pension scheme

Annual end-of-year bonus

Support for balancing professional and family responsibilities

Qualifikationen

• Specialization in multi-ethnic American literatures, oceanic studies, American fiction or life writing, critical kinship studies, or literary criticism.
• Commitment to the discipline, institution, and community.
• Willingness to learn German.

Aufgaben

• Teach courses in American studies at an undergraduate level.
• Collaborate in research projects at the Chair of American Studies.
• Mentor students in their respective areas of expertise.

Kenntnisse

Teaching experience in literary studies

Near-native command of written and spoken English

Good communication and organisational skills

Experience working in research teams

Passion for teaching

Ausbildung

MA in English with specialization in American studies

Jobbeschreibung

42,500 students and 7,750 employees in teaching, research and administration, all working together to shape perspectives for the future – that is the University of Münster. Embedded in the vibrant atmosphere of Münster with its high standard of living, the University’s diverse research profile and attractive study programmes draw students and researchers throughout Germany and from around the world.

The English Department of the Faculty of Philology (FB 09) at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position of a doctoral research associate specializing in themes in American literature situated at the intersection of feminism, queer theory, and critical race theory.

Communicating that the position commences on 1 April 2026 at the Chair of American Studies, we offer a fixed‑term, part‑time (75%) position for three years. Full‑time employees are required to teach four hours per week during the semester.

To add to its existing interest in literary criticism and critical reading publics, the Chair of American Studies seeks to hire a doctoral research associate who specializes in themes in American literature situated at the intersection of feminism, queer theory, and critical race theory. Our research interest in affect theory, literary form, and cultural materialism has strongly informed ongoing research projects. Literature’s contributions to and in cultural debates beginning with the long 19th century to current topics in contemporary American literature hold particular importance at the Chair. This new position will contribute to our efforts to explore these interrelationships further.

• teach courses in American studies at an undergraduate level;
• collaborate in research projects at the Chair of American Studies;
• demonstrate commitment to the discipline, institution, and community, both within American Studies in Germany and internationally;
• mentor students in your respective areas of expertise, especially with respect to thesis supervision at the bachelor’s level;
• this position is tied to working towards a doctorate;
• MA in English with a specialization in at least two of the following themes in American studies: multi‑ethnic American literatures, oceanic studies, American fiction or life writing, critical kinship studies, literary criticism;
• experience working in research teams, preferably in third‑party funded research contexts;
• project description and timeline for the completion of a dissertation project on contemporary American literature and literary criticism;
• near‑native command of written and spoken English;
• working knowledge of German or the willingness to learn German;
• good communication and organisational skills, a passion for teaching and the ability to work well both independently and in team constellations;
• teaching experience in literary studies;

Advantages for you:

• Appreciation, commitment, openness and respect – values which are important to us.
• Our broad range of diverse work‑time models offers great flexibility – also when working from home.
• If you have family members or young children in your care, our Family Service Office offers concrete support to help you balance your private and professional responsibilities.
• As a university employee, you are entitled to numerous benefits afforded to public servants, e.g. an attractive company pension scheme (VBL), an annual end‑of‑year bonus and a position that is shielded from economic fluctuations.

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family‑friendly working conditions. Part‑time options are generally available.

We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

Are you interested? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 2026-01-04 addressed to:

Prof Dr Silvia Schultermandl
Chair of American Studies
English Department
University of Münster
Kennziffer: 2025_12_06
Johannisstrasse 12‑20
48143 Münster

Please submit your application materials (letter of interest, CV, copies of degree certificates, a 30‑page writing sample from your MA thesis, and an 8‑page project description of your dissertation project including a timeline for its completion and a working bibliography) electronically in a single PDF file to [e-mail].