About the opportunity
The Faculty of Catholic Theology at Ruhr-Universität Bochum invites applications for a temporary Senior Academic Councilor (Akademische*r Oberrat/Oberrätin auf Zeit) at the Chair of Fundamental Theology. Embedded in the faculty research program ‘Faith. Thought. Today.’, the chair explores contemporary theological challenges under the guiding idea of socio-ecological transformation, engaging with the climate crisis, migration, and rising right-wing extremism through contextual and liberation theology. The role combines independent research, university teaching (7 credit hours/semester), qualification thesis supervision, academic administration, and coordination of doctoral and postdoctoral networking events.
Salary and benefits
- Civil servant remuneration according to pay grade A14 under North Rhine-Westphalia civil service law
- Full-time appointment (41 hours per week) for a fixed term of two years, beginning February 1, 2027
- Flexible working arrangements, including options for mobile work and telework
- Extensive university sports program featuring approximately 100 sports and an on-campus fitness studio
- Free German and English language training courses provided to university employees
- Collaborative research environment within the University Alliance Ruhr
Who can apply?
- Completed university degree in Catholic Theology
- Outstanding doctoral degree (PhD) in Fundamental Theology
- Habilitation or equivalent academic accomplishments in contemporary-sensitive theology, specifically addressing ecological/climate crises, right-wing extremism, migration, decolonial/postcolonial theory, or feminism
- Demonstrated research focus and scholarly publications in liberation theology, liberation hermeneutics, Latin American theology, theology and Marxism, or philosophy of liberation
- University-level teaching experience in Fundamental Theology
- Competency in German or English (campus languages) with willingness to acquire the other; very good Spanish and English skills are strongly desired
- Professional experience beyond the university sector in social movements or civil society
- Demonstrated experience in independently securing and managing third-party funded research projects
- Strong communication, teamwork, international networking, and digital media skills
Required documents
- Cover letter referencing job ID ANR 6233
- Curriculum vitae
- Academic certificates and transcripts
- Statement of overall suitability (Darstellung der Gesamteignung)
When to apply
- Application deadline: November 2, 2026
- Position start date: February 1, 2027
How to apply
- Review the position profile and prepare all required application documents in standard electronic format.
- Submit your application via the official Ruhr-Universität Bochum online application portal quoting reference number ANR 6233 by November 2, 2026.
- Optionally, request staff council (Personalrat) accompaniment in selection interviews by contacting wpr@rub.de.
Additional information
- Employment is structured as a temporary civil service relationship (Beamtenverhältnis auf Zeit) governed by the North Rhine-Westphalia State Civil Service Act (LBG NRW) and Career Regulations (LVO).
- The teaching obligation is set at 7 weekly lecture hours (SWS) under § 3 of the NRW Teaching Obligation Ordinance.
- Travel, accommodation, and related interview expenses cannot be reimbursed.
- For academic inquiries, applicants may contact Prof. Dr. Julia Enxing or Dagmar Heuser at +49 234 32 22285.
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…
- Postdoctoral scholars with a completed Habilitation (or equivalent output) combining rigorous Catholic fundamental theology with liberationist or decolonial frameworks.
- Researchers with an established track record of connecting theological research with active engagement in civil society or contemporary socio-ecological movements.
- Academics possessing multilingual capacity in Spanish, German, and English who have international networks in Latin American theology or critical theory.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position carries civil servant status under German state law (Besoldungsgruppe A14), which imposes strict statutory eligibility requirements that non-German or older candidates should verify.
- The contract is strictly fixed-term for two years, requiring early planning for subsequent career steps.
- Interview travel costs and relocation expenses are explicitly not reimbursed by the university.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This appointment is ideally tailored for mid-career theological scholars aiming to consolidate their teaching, administrative, and grant-acquisition portfolio at a major German research university. It provides substantial institutional support and a competitive A14 salary to finalize major research publications or prepare for permanent professorial appointments in contextual and fundamental theology.
Our take
Advanced theological researchers specializing in liberation theology, ecological ethics, and socio-political critique should strongly consider applying. Those seeking open-ended tenure or scholars outside Catholic fundamental theology will find this specific profile less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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