The Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn is an international research university that offers a wide range of degree programs. With 200 years of history, about 38,000 students, over 6,000 employees, and an excellent domestic and international reputation, Bonn University is among Germany’s leading universities.
From 01 January 2020 onwards, the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies seeks to employ for up to 6 years (3+3 years, max. until 31 December 2025)
1 Research Group Leader for the Research Area B “Embodied Dependencies”
The successful candidate will be employed at the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies (BCDSS): https://www.dependency.uni-bonn.de/en?set_language=en. In September 2018, the BCDSS was awarded the status of "Cluster of Excellence" by the German Research Council. We are therefore recruiting early-career researchers who are interested in contributing to an outstanding interdisciplinary and international research centre. In the unique position of a Research Group Leader, you will be a key member of the BCDSS in a position to shape the BCDSS' future research strategy and research activities. The topics of all Research Groups should be designed to provide broad conceptual entry points for the study of slavery or other forms of strong asymmetrical dependencies with a historical focus. They are aimed at stimulating research with a global, epoch-spanning and multi-disciplinary approach. Research Area B 'Embodied Dependencies' examines primarily non-textual relics of asymmetrical dependencies, which have been ‘inscribed’ in bodies and artefacts. In this way, we give actors operating in non-textual environments a ‘voice’. The aim of this research area is to correct the widespread imbalance in the academic evaluation of written and non-written traditions by taking a perspective from pre-modern societies into consideration.
Your tasks:
- Designing the research profile for the Research Group for the study of strong asymmetrical dependencies with a historical focus.
- Recruiting two PhD candidates for the Research Group
- Scientific coordination and development of the Research Group
- Conducting an independent research project that will be concluded by a monograph
- Developing innovative theoretical and methodological concepts
- Organizing and participating in international seminars, workshops and conferences.
- Creation of Networks within the international scientific community
- Teaching at least two seminars to BA or MA students during the period of employment.
Your profile:
- A postdoctoral researcher with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience in one of the BCDSS’ or any related disciplines: Anthropology, Archaeology, Art History, History, Regional Studies, Sociology, and Theology with an explicit emphasis on material culture and/ or visual culture studies.
- An independent scholar who wants to shape research on coercion and dependency.
- Interest in making comparisons across time and space and in exploring methodological and epistemological problems.
- An interest in interdisciplinary and collaborative research.
- The administrative and personal aptitude to lead a small team of researchers.
We offer:
- Participation in the international research hub The Cluster of Excellence “Bonn Center of Dependency and Slavery Studies”.
- The opportunity of conducting independent research and the support that is necessary to do so.
- An open, stimulating and interdisciplinary work environment where good ideas are encouraged and supported.
- The opportunity to lead a Research Group and supervise two PhD-candidates.
- An advanced training program that will give you a competitive advantage when seeking a permanent position and help you balance work and family life.
- Mentoring by two experienced professors from The Cluster of Excellence.
- Institutional support for applicants with families and for women.
- TVL E 14 on the salary scale.
The BCDSS focuses its research on strong asymmetrical dependencies in pre-modern societies. Ten Research Groups will be at the core of this research. For information on the Research Groups, their role within the BCDSS, their connection with the five research areas within the BCDSS and the range of disciplines cooperating within the BCDSS, please see https://www.dependency.unibonn.de/en/program.
Applicants are asked to submit:
1. An application consisting of:
(a) a letter of motivation (max. 1 page);
(b) a curriculum vitae;
(c) a list of publications; and
(d) one copy of your PhD certificate;
2. An outline of the concept for a Research Group with relation to Research Area B “Embodied Dependencies” (max 6 A-4 pages):
a. The general concept of the Research Group, outlining ideas for innovative methodological and theoretical approaches including the benefits for the BCDSS in general and Research Area B in particular.
b. Suggestions for seminars, workshops and/or other activities for the Research Group and the BCDSS more generally.
c. An outline of the individual research project.
d. An outline of possible PhD projects that would fit the general concept of the Research Group and will benefit the BCDSS’ research aims.
3. The name and contact of two referees (position, professional address and e-mail).
The University of Bonn is committed to diversity and equal opportunity. It is certified as a familyfriendly university and aims to increase the number of women employed in areas where women are under-represented and to promote their careers. To that end, it urges women with qualifications to apply. Applications will be handled in accordance with the Landesgleichstellungsgesetz (State Equality Act). Applications from suitable candidates with a certified disability or equivalent status are particularly welcome.
If you are interested in this position, please send your complete application documents combined into one Pdf file by 31 August 2019 to application@dependency.uni-bonn.de with the application code 43/19/3.202. For further information please contact Jeannine Bischoff – managing director of the Bonn Center for Dependency and Slavery Studies, email: dependency@uni-bonn.de.