Post Doctoral Researcher, CATNEMI Project (ERC)

Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 45.000 - 55.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A renowned film university in Germany is seeking a Postdoctoral researcher to collaborate on an innovative project exploring cinematic atmospheres. The ideal candidate should possess a Doctorate in film and media studies, with a deep understanding of atmosphere theory. Responsibilities include research in atmospheric cinema, project coordination, and scientific presentations. A commitment to gender equality and support for diversity is emphasized. Applications are encouraged from diverse backgrounds.

Leistungen

Dynamic working environment

Social benefits in line with public sector regulations

Flexible working time models

Qualifikationen

• Doctorate must be completed by the application deadline.
• Experience in film media discussions and analysis is required.
• Strong written and spoken German and English.

Aufgaben

• Collaborate on the ERC project CATNEMI.
• Research atmospheric operations of cinema.
• Present scientific publications and lectures.

Kenntnisse

Knowledge of atmosphere theory and environmental-theoretical approaches

Good communication skills

Team collaboration

Ausbildung

Doctorate in film and media studies or similar

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company Filmuniversität Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF Department Media Studies Research Field Other Arts Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 8 Jan 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 40 Offer Starting Date 1 Feb 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

About the University:

The Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF is a vibrant place of art, research and teaching. Renowned experts from the fields of film practice and academia provide students with intensive, individual support. Germany's only film university promotes innovative research with, in and about film and other audiovisual media. The university is a cosmopolitan and non-discriminatory space for cultural and social debate.

The position will be filled in accordance with § 52 of the Brandenburg Higher Education Act (BbgHG). The position is tied to the duration of the project and is limited to 24 months (without the possibility of extension).

The European Research Council-funded project ‘CATNEMI’ is dedicated to researching cinematic atmospheres in all their experiential, aesthetic and ethical implications as an attractive but also problematic, even harmful and ideologically charged phenomenon. ‘Atmospheres’ in the sense of affective, spatial aspects of a given environment have increasingly come into focus in recent decades as a forward-looking topic of interdisciplinary research. While cinema is often considered a particularly atmospheric art form, many questions remain about the specifics of cinematic atmospheres, how and by what means they are created, and what these cinematic atmospheres mean for the aesthetic and narrative experience of film. This project aims to develop a broad conceptual understanding of cinematic atmospheres based on an in-depth analysis of their operations and techniques. At a time when cinema is increasingly moving away from its classical dispositif, this project also aims to explore how the fundamental atmospheric operations of cinema appear and are modified in media environments such as news programmes, radio, video conferencing, and social media.

• Collaboration on the ERC project CATNEMI, in particular:
• Further development of the conceptual basis of the project with a special focus on the expansion of cinematic operations of the atmosphere into new media environments
• Research on the atmospheric operations, effects and techniques of cinema
• Support in the coordination and administrative management of the project
• Presentation of research results in the form of scientific publications and lectures
• Conceptualisation and production of audiovisual essay films

Requirements:

• Doctorate in film and media studies or a similar field completed by the end of the application period
• Enthusiasm for academia in general and, in particular, for current debates in film and media studies as well as issues surrounding the perceptual, affective and cognitive aspects of the film experience and its aesthetic forms of expression
• A list of publications relevant to the subject and career level
• Good to very good knowledge and experience of atmosphere theory and environmental-theoretical, philosophical, phenomenological and/or affect-theoretical approaches to film and visual culture
• Experience with conceptual and terminology-oriented issues
• Good written and spoken German and business English (the working language at the university is German and in the research project predominantly English)
• Strong team and communication skills

Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent

Languages GERMAN Level Good

Research Field Arts Years of Research Experience 1 - 4

Additional Information

In addition to an employment contract at a family-friendly and gender-equal university, we offer:

• A dynamic, varied working environment as part of a team
• Regular remuneration and social benefits in accordance with public sector regulations, including additional pension provision
• A modern and ergonomically equipped workplace with flexible working time models (working from home is possible at times)
• The option of using a company ticket and, if applicable, a place in a local daycare centre
• Individual and optimal support for professional development through further education and training opportunities: the Film University's Graduate Academy offers a wide range of courses, workshops, training sessions, counselling and coaching specifically designed for young academics.
• In addition, the Film University is committed to strengthening sustainability in the higher education context and promotes engagement with the ecological, social and economic dimensions of sustainability in teaching, art and research.
• Cover letter stating your motivation for applying
• Curriculum vitae including contact details (telephone number and email address)
• Copies of school, training and academic qualifications* and grades, as well as doctoral certificate or at least proof of successful completion of the thesis defence (must be available by the end of the application period)
• Proof of employment/work references
• A written work sample: a previously published article or, alternatively, a summary of your doctoral thesis (max. 20 pages)

The Film University values the diversity of its members and pursues the goals of equal opportunities regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion/belief, disability, age, sexual orientation and identity.

The Film University strives to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore strongly encourages qualified female applicants to apply.

If equally qualified, severely disabled persons and persons of equal status will be given preferential consideration. Please indicate any severe disability in your application and let us know if you require assistance during the application process.

We expressly welcome applications from people from abroad, with a migration background or with care responsibilities. As a family-friendly university, we support you and your family in various life situations in balancing family and career and offer targeted measures within the framework of the ‘Family in Higher Education’ charter.