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ZWE CERES:
History of Western Asian Religions
In order to fill a fixed-term position in part-time (29.8725 hours/week = 75%) November 1, 2026, we are looking for a
1 Research Associate position (TV-L 13, 75%) with expertise in the intersection of early Islamic Zoroastrian Middle Persian literature and Greek Philosophy to pursue a PhD at the Center for Religious Studies (CERES), Ruhr-Universität Bochum The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities. The university draws its strengths from both the diversity and the proximity of scientific and engineering disciplines on a single, coherent campus. This highly dynamic setting enables students and researchers to work across traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. Host to about 42,000 students and 4,700 staff, the Ruhr-Universität is a vital institution in the Ruhr area, which was selected as European Capital of Culture for the year 2010. CERES is a Central Research Unit of the Ruhr-Universität. It currently brings together over 50 researchers, which makes it one of the largest centers for the comparative study of religion in Europe. The center hosts a double degree BA program as well as single and a double degree MA programs for Religious Studies. The programs combine a focus on the material history of religions with theoretical and empirical approaches in the study of religions and are in constant dialogue with our research projects. The project will be situated within the field of the History of West Asian Religions at CERES (https://ceres.rub.de/en/research/geographic_focus/western-asia/), especially, in the framework of the long-term project “Zoroastrian Middle Persian: Digital Corpus and Dictionary (MPCD).” The PhD project should investigate the interaction of the Zoroastrian Middle Persian literature with Greek thoughts. Within this research area, one position of a PhD candidate -m,f,x (TV-L E 13, 29.87 working hours per week) is to be filled for a period of 36 months, commencing on 01. November 2026. The application must include: - A cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the position, - A dissertation proposal of up to three pages (Arial, 11, single-spaced), - A detailed curriculum vitae, - Copies of relevant academic certificates and transcripts.
Scope: part-time
Duration: fixed-term, 36 months
Start: November 1, 2026
Apply by: 2026-07-08
The tasks of the PhD candidate include:
- Conducting research and writing a doctoral dissertation on the project topic
- Teaching with a load of 3 semester hours per week (3 SWS)
- Supporting administrative activities within the research area at CERES
- Participating in relevant research events, workshops, and conferences.
The requirements are:
- An MA degree in Religious Studies, Iranian Studies, or a comparable field
- Excellent knowledge of Middle Persian, Zoroastrian sources and Greek philosophy
- A very good command of English, both written and spoken
- The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research environment
Nice-to-have:
- Knowledge of Classical Greek
- Knowledge of German
- French reading skills
Options for flexible working (mobile working and teleworking), Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, Support in combining family life and work (including childcare arrangements/holiday offers/mobile playroom), Extensive training and professional development opportunities, A varied sports program with around 100 sport disciplines and the university's own gym
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact [email protected].
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Prof. Dr. Kianoosh Rezania, +49 234 32-21979
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-07-08. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 5816.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
SOCIAL MEDIA
https://uni.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/de/stellenangebote
