About the opportunity
The University of Cologne’s Institute for German Language and Literature II (IDSL II) is seeking a Research Associate for the VERA 8 project. The role involves collaborating with the Institute for Quality Development in Education (IQB Berlin) to develop technology-based assessments (TBA) for German language teaching, focusing on data-driven improvement of teaching quality. The successful candidate will be part of the Research Class for Language Didactics in Cologne, providing an opportunity to pursue a PhD in language didactics, potentially in an interdisciplinary context.
Salary and benefits
- Remuneration according to pay grade E13 TV-L, subject to tariff and personal requirements.
- Flexible working time models.
- Use of mobile work options.
- Possibility to support the work-life balance (family and career).
- Extensive continuing education opportunities.
- Offers within the framework of occupational health management.
- Collaborative environment within one of the largest teacher training institutes for German.
Who can apply?
- Completed teacher training degree (Lehramtsstudium) in German.
- Ideal candidate has a focus on Lower Secondary Education (Sekundarstufe I).
- Interest in linguistics and language didactics.
- Openness to data-driven teaching development and educational monitoring.
- Interest in and willingness to work with competence areas: Reading, Listening, Grammar/Language Reflection, and Orthography.
- Basic knowledge of empirical language didactics.
- Planning to pursue a PhD (potentially interdisciplinary) in the field of language didactics.
Required documents
- Comprehensive application documents.
- Supporting evidence of qualifications.
When to apply
- Application deadline: September 8, 2026.
How to apply
- Submit a comprehensive application including supporting evidence of qualifications online via the job portal.
- Ensure no application photo is included.
- Use reference number Wiss2608-08.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Completed teacher training degree in German (ideally Sekundarstufe I).
- Interest in linguistics and empirical language didactics.
- Planning to pursue a PhD.
- Openness to data-driven educational monitoring.
What should you think carefully about?
- Linguistic and educational requirements are very specific; you must have a completed teacher training degree (Lehramtsstudium) in German.
- The role is hybrid, but requires a presence in Cologne.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This is a funded path to a PhD in language didactics. By working on the VERA 8 project, you can contribute to the development of technology-based assessments for German language teaching and improve teaching quality through data.
Our take
Sincere candidates should apply if they are trained teachers in German with a PhD goal, seeking a data-driven approach to language didactics.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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