Doctoral Research at the Africa Multiple Clusters of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth, Germany

There are two opportunities for doctoral researchers in the Africa Multiple Clusters of Excellence at the University of Bayreuth, Germany. There are part-time positions in English Linguistics and the Study of Religion within Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies beginning on November 1st, 2019. The contract period for both positions is four years.

The English linguistics position offers the opportunity to contribute to the project “Colonial Letters and the Contact of Knowledges”, which focuses on letters written during British colonisation of Southern Cameroon (1916-1961). The successful candidate is expected to develop and pursue a PhD project on any aspect of these letters, for instance, “The construction of multiple identities in colonial letters” or “The discursive enactment of power in colonial correspondences.” Prerequisites for applications are a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in (English) linguistics or a closely related field and the ability to co-design and conduct research in Cameroon, Nigeria, and England. The successful candidate needs to have the capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary research environment. Her/his tasks also include the provision of academic services within the project, such as the organisation of workshops and the independent supervision of research assistants. As the working language of the cluster is English, fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. German language skills are welcome but not a precondition.

The study of religion position offers the opportunity to contribute to the project “Religious Engineering – The Making of Moralities, Development and Religion in Niger”, which is part of an ambitious research agenda that brings together various disciplines. The successful candidate is expected to develop and pursue a PhD project on Turkey-related charitable activism in Niger. Prerequisites for applications are a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the study of religion or a closely related field and the ability to co-design and conduct empirical fieldwork in Niger and Turkey. Also required is prior knowledge of Islam and Islamic organisations with a Turkish background, as well as a good command of French and Turkish. The successful candidate needs to have the capacity for teamwork in an interdisciplinary research environment. Her/his tasks also include the provision of academic services within the project, such as the organisation of workshops and the independent supervision of research assistants. As the working language of the cluster is English, fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. German language skills are welcome but not a precondition.

The Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence and the University of Bayreuth view the diversity of its staff as an asset and are expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Women and persons who can help make the research profile of the cluster and the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants with children are highly welcome. All qualifications being equal, applicants with disabilities will be given priority.

Applications should be sent by September 30th, 2019. For more information please follow these links: English Linguistics and the Study of Religion.