About the opportunity
The Chair of German Linguistics at the Faculty of Philology at Ruhr-Universität Bochum is seeking a Research Associate to join its team. The research focus includes language variation, language change, and the grammar of German and its historical varieties. The role involves teaching in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in German Studies, supporting research projects, and participating in academic self-administration. The position is designed to support the candidate’s own academic qualification (Habilitation), and time is allocated for this purpose within the scope of duties. The university is a leading research institution that values diversity and interdisciplinary collaboration, with German and English as the primary campus languages.
Salary and benefits
- Full-time employment contract under the collective agreement for the public sector (TV-L, E13)
- Dedicated time for academic qualification (Habilitation)
- Opportunities for flexible work arrangements (mobile work and telework)
- Support for work-life balance, including childcare placement and holiday programs
- Extensive professional development and training opportunities
- Discounts for bicycle purchases and rental systems
Who can apply?
- An above-average doctorate in German linguistics, historical linguistics, or theoretical linguistics
- A concrete Habilitation project
- Research focus in grammar (especially syntax and morphology) and/or historical linguistics/language history of German
- Proficiency in modern grammar theories and corpus-linguistic or statistical methods is desired
- Competence in German and English, or the willingness to acquire the other language
Required documents
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic certificates and relevant employment references
When to apply
- Application deadline: 2026-11-09
How to apply
- Prepare all required documents including cover letter, CV, and certificates
- Submit the application via the official online portal
- Reference the job number (ANR) 6147 in the application
Additional information
- The position is limited to 3 years
- The teaching load is determined by § 3 of the Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung NRW (currently 4 SWS)
- The university explicitly encourages applications from women and individuals with disabilities
- Travel and other costs for interviews cannot be reimbursed
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…
- Candidates with a clear, ongoing Habilitation project in historical linguistics or German syntax/morphology
- Researchers looking for a structured academic environment that explicitly protects time for independent qualification
- Scholars with experience in corpus linguistics and statistical analysis who wish to apply these skills to historical data
What should you think carefully about?
- The position is fixed-term for 3 years, which is a standard but limited window for completing significant research milestones
- Applicants must be prepared to teach in German, as the role involves direct student instruction in German Studies programs
- Relocation to Bochum is expected as the role requires on-site presence and participation in academic self-administration
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This role is ideal for a post-doctoral researcher aiming to advance their academic career toward a professorship through the Habilitation process. It provides a stable, funded platform to balance teaching responsibilities with the intensive research required for a second book or equivalent qualification, while also building a professional network within a major German research university.
Our take
This is a strong opportunity for early-career academics in German linguistics who are ready to commit to a Habilitation project. It is less suitable for those seeking permanent tenure immediately or those whose research interests fall outside the specified areas of historical linguistics and grammar.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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