Research Assistant (Doctoral Candidate) (f/m/d)

Research Assistant (Doctoral Candidate) (f/m/d) in the unit “Research into Language Teaching and Learning” within the Department of English in Faculty 10 “Linguistics and Literary Studies”

Faculty 10 Linguistics and Literary Studies

Classification E 13 – part‑time 50%

Reference number: A094-26

Closing date: 07/23/2026

External vacancy

The University of Bremen is seeking to fill a position in the unit “Research into Language Teaching and Learning” within the Department of English in Faculty 10 “Linguistics and Literary Studies” to start as soon as possible, no earlier than November 1, 2026, as a Research Assistant (Doctoral Candidate) (f/m/d) with a 50% weekly workload (19.6 hours per week) in the field of Research into Language Teaching and Learning for a fixed term of 3 years.

The fixed‑term contract is intended to facilitate academic qualification in accordance with § 2 (1) of the German Academic Fixed‑Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG). Accordingly, only applicants who still have the required amount of qualification time remaining under § 2 (1) WissZeitVG will be considered.

With approximately 20,000 students and about 3,500 employees, the University of Bremen is a medium‑sized university. It ranks among the universities in Germany with the highest levels of third‑party funding and research activity.

The scope of the unit “Research into Language Teaching and Learning” encompasses the assessment and evaluation of language proficiency; the fostering and assessment of multilingualism and multiculturalism; the teaching, learning, and assessment of subject‑specific language; and language teaching, learning, and assessment in adult and higher education, with a particular focus on the Language Center of the Universities in the Land of Bremen.

Within the unit “Research into Language Teaching and Learning”, we host the Language Assessment @ Bremen research group. This team has international connections and collaborates with renowned testing and research institutions in Germany and abroad. Information about our research priorities and current projects can be found at

Responsibilities

Academic teaching activities amounting to one seminar (2 hrs/semester week) primarily in English (including instruction on specialized topics and practical skills, as well as guidance on the application of scientific methods in the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in accordance with the applicable course syllabi). In some cases, teaching may also include subject‑specific instruction for other academic units.

Academic services in research, participation in research projects, among other duties:

• Development and coordination of research projects and networks
• Organization of lectures, colloquia, and other academic events
• Contribution to academic publications
• Acquisition of third‑party funding
• Conducting a doctoral project in the field of language teaching and learning research, preferably in the area of “assessment and evaluation of language proficiency” or in one of the aforementioned research areas

Other university duties, such as participation in academic self‑governance.

Requirements

What you bring to the table:

• An academic degree (Master’s/University Diploma, Teacher Training Degree/Magister) with above‑average grades in one of the following areas of specialization: language teaching and learning research, applied linguistics / foreign language didactics (English or German as a foreign/second language), multilingualism, pluriculturalism
• Applicants who are in the final phase of their Master’s program will also be considered. Submission of the Master’s degree certificate is mandatory for employment.
• High proficiency in German and English (at least C1 in one of the two languages; B2 in the other)
• Ability to work independently and excellent organisational skills
• Teamworking, collaboration, and communication skills

The following would positively complement your profile:

• Explored topics in one or more of the following areas through your studies: “Assessment and Evaluation of Language Competence”; “Promotion and Assessment of Multilingualism and Multiculturalism”; “Language Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and Adult Education”; “Quality assurance and development in (foreign) language instruction”; “Teaching, learning, and assessing specialised language”.
• Demonstrated proficiency in an additional foreign language.

Benefits

What we offer:

• Annual bonus (“Christmas bonus”), regular salary increases in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, and additional public service pension benefits (VBL)
• A stable, interesting, and exciting job at a cosmopolitan university
• 30 days of annual leave per calendar year (based on a 5‑day workweek)
• A diverse, forward‑thinking, and welcoming work environment
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive work atmosphere
• Individual onboarding
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development
• Work‑life balance through flexible working hours (flex time) and the option for remote work (subject to applicable conditions)
• Cost‑free social and family counseling services
• An active workplace health management program, including discounts at local sports clubs, gyms, and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
• Option to use a Job‑Ticket
• Numerous offers for sports and cultural activities
• A variety of catering options in the Student Services cafeterias

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Bremen promotes the employment of women at all levels. Women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply.

People with severe disabilities will be given priority in the hiring process if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially equal to those of other applicants.

We welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.